Indications and outcomes of bone marrow aspiration cytology in a Nigerian tertiary hospital: The Federal Medical Centre, Yola experience

Abstract

Background: Bone marrow aspiration (BMA) cytology is a useful investigative tool in the diagnosis of haematological and non- haematological disorders. The purpose of this work was to identify the main indications and diagnostic outcomes of BMA cytology in our facility.

Methods: A retrospective review of all BMA cytology reports of patients that underwent this procedure in Federal Medical Centre, Yola from January 2018 to December 2019 was carried out.

Results: A total of one hundred and four (104) patients underwent BMAs in the period under review. This comprised of 59 (56.7%) males  and 45 (43.3%) females. Their ages ranged between 3 and 82 years with median age of 38 years and interquartile range (IQR): 22-55. The most common clinical indication for BMA was recurrent anaemia which accounted for 64.4% of all indications, while the most frequent diagnostic outcome was Megaloblastic Anaemia accounting for 34.6%.

Conclusion: It is concluded that the commonest indication for BMA cytology in our facility is recurrent anaemia. The most frequent  diagnostic outcome is megaloblastic anaemia. Considering its safety and cost-effectiveness, BMA cytology is a valuable diagnostic  procedure among patients presenting with recurrent anaemia in our environment