Transient erythroblastopenia of childhood in Sweden: incidence and findings at the time of diagnosis

All cases of transient erythroblastopenia in children less than 10 years of age, diagnosed in Sweden during the years 1987–89, were identified. Almost all (51/53) were less than 3 years of age. In this group, the incidence was 4.3/100000, which is the same as that of acute lymphatic leukaemia. No geographical, but a possible temporal, cluster was seen in 1989. The anaemia was severe in some cases; haemoglobin concentration was less than 40 g/1 in 8 oc53 children. Thrombocytosis and neutropenia were common and were attributed to high endogenous erythropoietin activity. Thirty‐seven of 53 children were given a blood transfusion. All children recovered and no complications or relapses were seen. Transient erythroblastopenia of childhood is a benign disease, and it is important to make a correct diagnosis to prevent unnecessary anxiety for leukaemia or aplastic anaemia.