DISTRIBUTION OF APLASTIC ANEMIA IN CHILDREN HAVING NEW-ONSET PANCYTOPENIA

Background: Pancytopenia is a common problem in clinical and haematological practice in pediatrics. A vast majority of diseases may present with pancytopenia. The clinical manifestations are usually attributable to anemia, leucopenia or thrombocytopenia, which may manifest clinically as pallor, infections or bleeding problems respectively. It is very important to know the common causes of pancytopenia in children, as some of them are completely curable while others can be treated to reduce morbidity and to prolong survival. Material & Methods: This was discripative cross-sectional study, conducted in Department of Pediatric, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. A total of 168 patients presented with new onset pancytopenia on peripheral blood smear were included in the study. Results: There were 102(60.71%) males and 66(39.29%) females. Male to female ratio was 1.60:1. Average age of the patients was 7.46 years ±3.8SD with range 2 months - 15 years. The aplastic anemia was found in 57(33.93%) patients. Conclusion: Pancytopenia is more common in males than females. Aplastic anemia is a common finding of pancytopenia in this part of world in the specific age group.