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Article
Epidemiological features of aplastic anaemia in Pakistan
Journal of Pakistan Medical Association
  • Salman Adil, Aga Khan University
  • G. N. Kakepoto, Aga Khan University
  • Mohammad Khurshid, Aga Khan University
  • I. A. Burney, Aga Khan University
Publication Date
1-1-2001
Document Type
Article
Disciplines
Abstract

Objective: To complete the data on the demographic features of patients diagnosed to have aplastic anemia at a single institution over a 7.5 years period. Methods: Demographic information was retrieved from the patients medical records retrospectively as well as prospectively of those patients who presented with features of aplastic anaemia. Their diagnosis was confirmed by performing a complete blood count and bone marrow trephine.
Results: One hundred and forty four patients were diagnosed to have aplastic anemia; there were 106 males and 38 females. Their ages ranged from 2 to 75 years, with a median of 17 years, 112 (77.7%) patients were below the age of 30 years. Severe aplastic anemia (SAA) was seen in 74 (51.4%), very severe (VSAA) in 24 (16.7%) and non-severe aplastic anemia (NSAA) in 46(31.9%) patients. No obvious cause could be established for 74.3%. Thirteen patients admitted using drugs known to cause AA and one was a radiographer (9%). Out of 44 patients tested, 7 (15.9%) were found to have either hepatitis B virus markers or antibody to hepatitis C at the time of diagnosis of AA. However it was difficult to establish a cause and effect relationship with either drugs or viruses.
Conclusion: Aplastic anaemia is found to occur mostly severe aplastic anaemia (JPMA 51:443,2001).

Citation Information
Salman Adil, G. N. Kakepoto, Mohammad Khurshid and I. A. Burney. "Epidemiological features of aplastic anaemia in Pakistan" Journal of Pakistan Medical Association Vol. 51 (2001) p. 443
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/mohammad_khurshid/41/