Severe aplastic anaemia--an aetiological correlation.

Over 4 years, 43 cases of severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) were seen. Etiologically 58.1% had idiopathic, 39.5% secondary and 2.3% congenital aplastic, anaemia. Idiopathic SAA was more common in patients between 0-15 years of age, whereas secondary SAA was more frequent in 16-60 years age group. Males were more commonly affected with a male:female ratio of 3.3:1. Amongst 17 cases of secondary SAA, chloramphenicol was responsible for 4, septran for 3, insecticides for 2 and anti-scabitic drugs, anti-diabetic drugs and "kushta from hakeem" in one patient each. Hepatitis associated SAA was suspected in 3 cases.