Aplastic Anemia is a serious blood disorder characterized by marked reduction in blood counts.   Depending on the aetio pathogenesis and degree of severity of AA, the case management and prognosis vary widely.  Bone marrow in AA patients also shows variable degree of  cellularity and relative increase in fat spaces. Aetiology of AA is multifactorial. It may be  drug induced, effect of environmental  factors or genetic factors. Pathogenesis of aplastic anemia  is widely varied  ranging from autoimmunity to immune suppression. The therapeutic modalities of aplastic anemia are equally variable from supportive therapy,splenectomy, androgen and steroid therapy, immune–supression to the ultimate bone marrow transplantation,based on aetiopathogenesis.

AIMS OF THE STUDY:To analyze the aetiology of aplastic anemia in children below 12 years of age and the significance of Camitta et.al, diagnostic criteria in the diagnosis of aplastic anemia in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:The present study of aplastic anemia in paediatric age group i,e.below 12 years of age was  conducted in Niloufer Hospital which is a paediatric centre for medical and surgical diseases   for a period of  24 months ,from January 2000 to December 2001.Total number of 61 cases were found to be pancytopenia cases fulfilling the criteria laid down by Camitta et.al. All these patients were screened by conducting relevant investigations including biochemical, pathological, microbiological  , radiological and also cytogenetic study.The bone marrow aspiration was done as a routine for diagnosis and management ,the cases wherein aspiration is scanty, haemo diluted or dry tap bone marrow biopsy was done.

RESULTS: Total number of haematological cases for which B.M.A and B.M.Bx were performed during the  period of 2 years was 367 cases. Of these, pancytopenia due to various causes were 61 (16.6%) and aplastic anemia was diagnosed in 33 (54.09%) out of these 61 cases . Bleeding time is moderately prolonged in severe aplastic anemia, coagulation parameters were within normal limits. Marked elevation of serum iron levels and saturated iron binding proteins are observed in severe aplastic anemia cases.

CONCLUSION: The various aetiological factors leading to AA were investigated and documented. Drugs, herbal medicines and viruses were found to be causing AA of variable degrees. The prognosis is good in mild to moderate aplastic anemia with good clinical care bleak in severe aplastic anemia.