Pure red cell Aplasia in Zaria. A 10- year review

Pure red cell Aplasia (PRCA) is a transfusion dependent condition characterised by anaemia, reticulocytopaenia and a paucity of erythroid precursors in the bone marrow. Records of patients with PRCA seen in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospitals between 1991 and 2001 were reviewed and the outcome of their management was assessed. Fifty per cent of the ten patients had high dose methyl Prednisolone (HDMP) therapy. Seven patients recovered, 2 died and one was lost to follow up. All patients had red cell concentrate transfusion.