Aplastic anemia is a rare but serious blood disorder: the bone marrow does not make enough new blood cells, because the stem cells inside it are damaged. There are several types, including Fanconi anemia.
Causes
| Cause | Examples |
|---|---|
| Autoimmune disorders | the most common cause |
| Inherited gene changes | such as the one that can cause Fanconi anemia |
| Toxic substances | pesticides, arsenic, benzene |
| Cancer treatment | radiation therapy and chemotherapy |
| Certain medicines | |
| Viral infections | hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV |
| Pregnancy |
For many people the cause is unknown — idiopathic aplastic anemia.
Symptoms
It can come on suddenly or slowly, and be mild or severe. Symptoms can include:
- fatigue and weakness
- dizziness
- shortness of breath
- bruising or bleeding easily
Complications
- frequent infections and bleeding
- a higher risk of developing a serious blood disorder
- untreated, heart problems: an arrhythmia (a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat), an enlarged heart, or heart failure
Diagnosis
Your doctor will take your medical and family histories, do a physical exam, and order tests — for example, to check for low numbers of cells in your bone marrow and blood.
Treatment
Your doctor will make a treatment plan based on how severe the anemia is and what is causing it. It can include:
- blood transfusions
- blood and marrow stem cell transplants
- medicines that suppress the immune system
Because of the risk of blood disorders, your doctor will monitor you and screen you for blood disorders regularly.
Sources
Based on "Aplastic Anemia," MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine, with its summary from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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