Bone Marrow Examination in Pancytopenia: Patterns, Causes, and Clinical Correlation in Indian Patients

Abstract

Background: Pancytopenia is a hematological condition characterized by reduction in all three cellular components of blood and
often indicates underlying bone marrow pathology. Bone marrow examination remains a cornerstone in diagnosis.
Objective: To evaluate bone marrow findings in pancytopenia and correlate with clinical and hematological parameters in Indian patients.
Methods: This retrospective study included 300 patients diagnosed with pancytopenia between October 2023 and September 2025
at the Department of Pathology, M.K.C.G Medical College, Berhampur, Odisha. Clinical data, hematological parameters, and bone
marrow findings were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.
Results: Megaloblastic anemia was the most common cause (36%), followed by aplastic anemia (22%), acute leukemia (14%), and
hypersplenism (10%). Significant associations were observed between etiology and hemoglobin levels and mean corpuscular volume.
Conclusion: Bone marrow examination is essential for accurate diagnosis of pancytopenia. Nutritional causes remain predominant
in Indian settings, highlighting the need for early intervention.