PANCYTOPENIA IN TWO NATIONAL ETHNIC GROUPS OF BALUCHISTAN

Authors

  • Saleh Muhammad Tareen
  • Masroor Ahmad Bajwa
  • Mohammad Masood Tariq
  • Shakeel Babar
  • Abdul Malik Tareen

Abstract

Background: Pancytopenia is a recognisable haematological problem with common categorisesdiagnosis but best possible diagnostic approach is still to be defined. Objective: The aim of this studywas to determine the frequent causes and clinical presentation of pancytopenia in relation to age and sexin different ethnic groups of two national (Pakistani and Afghan) living in Baluchistan province.Methods: This is a cross sectional descriptive type of study was carried out on patients (n=180) for twoyears (July 2009–June 2011). Cases were successively registered in 2 provincial government hospitaland 2 private clinics in Quetta with diagnosis of pancytopenia. Results: The most frequent causes ofpancytopenia in both national ethnic groups were malaria (29.44%) fallowed by tuberculosis (17.22%),leukaemia (16.67%), aplastic anaemia (13.33%), hepatitis (12.22%), other diseases (7.22%) and irondeficiency anaemia (3.89%). Overall, 63.89% male subjects were observed pancytopenia as compared to36.11% female patients. The results also showed that patients with age >41 years were highly (50%)affected by pancytopenia followed by 21–40 years (30.66%) and <20 years (19.44%). Moreover,leukaemia cases were observed significantly higher in Afghan subjects (>41 years). The most commonsymptom of patients was (71.11%) fever followed by Pallor (42.22%), fatigue (38.33%), weight loss(26.11%) and dizziness (25.56%). Leukaemia and aplastic anaemia were found to be the most seriouscauses of pancytopenia in Afghan ethnic group. Conclusions: Malaria, tuberculosis, aplastic anaemia,and leukaemia were the leading causes of pancytopenia in Pakistani and Afghan ethnic groups. Severepancytopenia has significant relation with the clinical conclusion and can be used as a prognostic marker.Keywords: Pancytopenia, Ethnic groups, Malaria, Tuberculosis, Leukaemia

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Published

2011-06-01