A study of hematological indices and bone marrow morphology in patients presenting with anemia

Abstract

Introduction: The initial workup of anemia includes assessment of hematological indices and examination of the peripheral blood smears. Laboratory evaluation without marrow examination is usually not confirmatory. The objective of this study is to find the underlying etiopathology of anemia and correlate hematological indices, bone marrow study with clinical examination findings in differentiating causes of anemia. Materials and Methods: The present observational study was carried out on 138 patients with anemia, in which bone marrow study (BM aspiration and biopsy) was done for evaluation. Pediatrics population below 15 years and pregnant female and patients who did not give consent for bone marrow aspiration or biopsy were excluded from the study. Results: Dimorphic anemia was the most common non-malignant hematological cause followed by megaloblastic anemia. In hematological malignancies acute myeloid leukemia (4.34%) was most common. Discussion: A comprehensive clinical and hematological study of patients with anemia of various hematological disorders will usually help in identification of underlying cause. However, in view of wide array of etiologies, finding of underlying etiopathology continues to be a challenge for pathologist and hematologists. Keywords: Anemia, Hematological indices, Bone marrow study.