PREVALENCE OF THROMBOCYTOPENIA AND PANCYTOPENIA IN PATIENTS WITH MEGALOBLASTIC ANAEMIA

BACKGROUND Anaemia is a very common problem encountered by clinicians in Gwalior region. The incidence of megaloblastic anaemias is increasing. Megaloblastic anaemias are characterized by defective synthesis of Deoxyribo-Nucleic Acid (DNA) in all proliferating cells. They most commonly result from lack of folic acid or vitamin B12. In severe megaloblastic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leucopaenia is usual. Thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia can lead to serious life-threatening illnesses including bone marrow hypoplasia. Severity and the underlying pathology determine the management and prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate out the prevalence of thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia in patients with megaloblastic anaemia (MA). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total 306 patients with MA were studied in the Department of Pathology, G.R. Medical College, Gwalior from May 2016 to April 2017. Demographic parameters including age and gender were recorded using preapproved proforma. Two blood samples were obtained from each patient to analyse thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia. All the data was analysed using SPSS Ver. 20 software. RESULTS Mean age of study cohort was 28.56 +/- 9.76 years with female preponderance. Most common age groups were 21-30 years (5163%). Prevalence of thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia in patients with MA was 46.60% and 17.32% respectively. CONCLUSION The prevalence of thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia is high. An early intervention is required to decrease the associated complications.