Transient erythroblastopenia of childhood. Review of 17 cases, including a pair of identical twins
R. J. Labotka, H. S. Maurer and G. R. Honig
Seventeen patients aged 7 to 33 months, including a pair of identical twin
girls, came to the Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, between January
1975 and December 1979 with transient normocytic anemia and
reticulocytopenia. In 16 of the patients, bone marrow aspirates were
obtained; 15 showed erythroblastopenia and one showed erythroid hyperplasia
indicative of recovery. Except for a cluster of six cases occurring from
July to October 1979, no seasonal variation was observed. Unlike patients
with congenital hypoplastic anemia, all 17 patients were of normal stature.
Other distinguishing features of transient erythroblastopenia of childhood
included onset after early infancy, normocytosis, and rapid, spontaneous
recovery.
