Correlation between Different Blood Investigations - Peripheral Blood Film and Bone Marrow Findings in Cases of Pancytopenia

Introduction: Pancytopenia is the simultaneous presence of anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia. Varieties of hematological and non-hematological disorders may affect bone marrow either primarily or secondarily, resulting in the manifestation of pancytopenia. The present study was done to correlate the peripheral blood film and bone marrow findings in cases of pancytopenia. Material and Method: The present study was conducted among 60 patients in the Pathology department of Government Medical College, and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, under Professor & Head of Pathology Dr. Arun Puri. Bone marrow aspiration was done by using Salah’s bone marrow puncture needle. The smears were assessed for cellularity, differentiation and maturation of erythroid, myeloid and megakaryocytic lineage, M:E ratio, Plasma cells, Lymphocytes and parasites/ abnormal cells/granulomas/storage cells. Results: The mean range of Hb level observed was 4.94±1.72. Out of 60 patients, the predominant RBC picture was dimorphic in 53patients (88.30%) followed by normocytic in 6 patients (10%) and microcytic in1 patient (1.70%). Total 46 (100%) patients of megaloblastic anemia had macrocytes on peripheral blood film and 35 patients (76%) had hypersegmented neutrophils correlated to bone marrow aspiration which showed hypercellular marrow with erythroid hyperplasia in total 46 patients of megaloblastic anemia Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that there is a significant correlation between bone marrow aspiration findings and peripheral blood film findings. Both the investigations are complementary to each other in evaluating the patient.