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Updated: May 9, 2026
Identifying Bone Marrow Microenvironmental Populations in Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Published on: November 10, 2023
Bone marrow examination of pancytopenic children
Fauzia Shafi Khan1, Rabiya Fayyaz Hasan
1Department of Paediatric Haematology, Children Hospital, Institute of Child Health Lahore, Pakistan. fauzia_khan60@hotmail.com
Insights
This study found acute leukemia and aplastic anemia are the most common causes of pediatric pancytopenia. Early diagnosis of easily treatable causes is crucial for improving outcomes in children with pancytopenia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Oncology
- Bone Marrow Examination
Background:
- Pancytopenia in children presents a diagnostic challenge.
- Understanding the etiological spectrum is vital for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate clinical features of pediatric pancytopenia.
- To determine the frequency of various causes using bone marrow examination.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 279 children (1 month-16 years) with pancytopenia.
- Bone marrow biopsy findings were reviewed.
- Exclusion of patients on cancer therapy or immunosuppressants.
Main Results:
- Acute leukemia (32.2%) and aplastic anemia (30.8%) were the leading causes.
- Megaloblastic anemia accounted for 13.2%.
- Common symptoms included pallor, fever, and bleeding manifestations.
Conclusions:
- Prompt etiological diagnosis of pancytopenia is essential.
- Early identification of treatable causes can significantly reduce mortality and morbidity in affected children.
Objective:
To assess the clinical profiles and determine the frequency of different aetiologies of pancytopenia based on bone marrow examination.
Methods:
This is a retrospective study conducted over a 15 month period and included 279 pancytopenic children of both sexes from 1 month to 16 years of age, who underwent bone marrow biopsy. Patients on cancer therapy or on immunosuppressive treatment and already diagnosed cases of aplastic anaemia were not included in the study. Clinical profiles and bone marrow morphology findings of the patients were reviewed.
Results:
Acute leukaemia was the commonest aetiology 32.2% followed by Aplastic anaemia 30.8%, Megaloblastic anaemia 13.2% and miscellaneous aetiologies. Clinical presentation being pallor (81%), fever (68%), petechial haemorrhages (51%) bleeding manifestations (21.5%) and other features included hepatomegaly (44.8%), splenomegaly (37.2%) and lymphadenopathy (22.5%).
Conclusion:
Attempts should be made to establish the aetiology of pancytopenia without delay. Easily treatable causes if identified early can have a positive impact on mortality and morbidity of pancytopenic children.
