CLINICAL AND LABORATORY PROFILE IN PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH BICYTOPENIA OR PANCYTOPENIA IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN KOLAR - A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Bicytopenia and pancytopenia are frequently seen in clinical settings with varied etiology , yet determining the optimal diagnostic approach needs to be addressed . These conditions have diverse causes influenced by genetic factors, geographic locations and nutritional deficiencies within the community. Objectives: This study aims to investigate bicytopenia/pancytopenia prevalence, clinical and laboratory profiles, and their potential correlation with fluoride exposure in children aged 1 to 18 years. Methodology: This cross-sectional study examined children aged 1-18 years diagnosed with bicytopenia / pancytopenia at a tertiary care centre in Kolar between September 2022 and December 2023. The collected data underwent statistical analysis. Results: In our study, the predominant presenting symptom was fever, noted in 90.4% of patients, followed by abdominal pain (60.7%) and easy fatigability (38.1%). Physical examination findings indicated hepatomegaly in 48.8% of patients, pallor in 32.1%, and splenomegaly in 19.1%. Peripheral smear analysis revealed normocytic normochromic anemia as the most prevalent type, observed in 70.2% of patients. Conclusion: Higher incidence of bicytopenia compared to pancytopenia with higher occurrence in school-aged male children. Normocytic normochromic anemia was the predominant peripheral smear. Our study observed majority of pediatric age group urine xxi fluoride values were under <2 ppm , highlighting the necessity for further exploration of fluoride on hematological parameters and transplacental passage of fluoride.