Hematologic abnormalities associated with influenza A infection: a report of 3 cases

Influenza A is associated with leukopenia, although it is not reported to cause isolated thrombocytopenia, anemia, or pancytopenia. The authors report three pediatric patients with transient cytopenias associated with influenza A infection, all of whom had evidence for influenza A infection by direct immunofluorescence from nasopharyngeal aspirates. In all patients, cytopenias were transient and improved as their viral symptoms resolved. All patients improved spontaneously. This is the first report of transient pancytopenia, anemia, or thrombocytopenia associated with influenza A infection. Given the high frequency of influenza A infections during the winter months, it is important to recognize the associated hematologic findings.