DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i11.058

Pages: 3770-3774

Background: Pancytopenia is usually due to a problem with the bone marrow that produces the blood cells. However, there can be several different underlying causes. Bone marrow biopsy is indicated in patients of pancytopenia in which cause is not obvious. Non–invasive methods e.g. absolute reticulocyte count (ARC) may help in preliminary diagnosis to evaluate the cause of pancytopenia. Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate the role of Absolute Reticulocyte Count in evaluation of Pancytopenia. Methodology: This prospective study includes 450 patients of pancytopenia who have visited our hospital from June 2012 to June 2013.Patients who satisfied the criteria for pancytopenia were evaluated with clinical details. Pancytopenia work-up including Peripheral blood picture, Complete blood counts and Reticulocyte count. Absolute Reticulocyte Count (ARC) was calculated. Results: Among various causes of pancytopenia, megaloblastic anemia is found to be commonest among them. Our study shows various causes of pancytopenia such as megaloblastic anemia (36.66%), Mixed anemia (Dimorphic anemia) (21.11%), aplastic anemia (16.66%), leukemia (3.77%), metastasis (2.7%) and myelodysplastic syndrome (1.11%) Absolute reticulocyte count (ARC) was measured: Aplastic anemia (<25x109/L), myelodysplastic syndrome (25–50x109/L), megaloblastic anemia (50–75x109/L), leukemia (76–100x109/L). Conclusion: The present study concludes that Absolute reticulocyte count is an important indicator for determining the cause of pancytopenia and should be done along with peripheral smear in the very beginning. It is also useful in planning further investigations and management.