The Prevalence and Spectrum of Cytopenia on Peripheral Blood Samples in Rural Punjab

Cytopenia refers to reduced red blood cell count, white blood cell count, or platelet count which manifest as anemia, leucopenia, or thrombocytopenia and are commonly associated with underlying medical conditions. Till date, very little is known about the prevalence of unexplained cytopenia and their distribution in the general population, especially in rural areas in developing countries like India. The current study analyzes a total of 6260 peripheral blood samples of Complete Blood Count (CBC) for the duration of one year to learn about the prevalence and spectrum of cytopenia. Prevalence of pancytopenia was -1.34% (84 patients out of 6260) and it was twice as prevalent in females as compared to males. Pancytopenia in most females was associated with microcytic anemia of Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) <80fl, while pancytopenia in males was associated with macrocytic anemia of MCV>100fl. The prevalence of bicytopenia was found to be 13.92% (872 patients out of 6260). The prevalences of isolated cytopenia of anemia, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia were found to be 41.53% (2600 cases out of 6260), 4.84% (303 cases out of 6260), and 20% (1208 cases out of 6260), respectively. Most of the patients with cytopenia (94%) presented with the chief complaints of fatigue and weakness. Fever was a major complaint among 28% of total patients. This study provides information regarding the prevalence and spectrum of cytopenia in rural Punjab, which may further help in the early diagnosis and treatment of its respective etiological factors.