What is aplastic anemia?
Aplastic anemia is a rare blood condition in which the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough new blood cells. This includes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Without enough of these cells, the body has trouble carrying oxygen, fighting infections, and stopping bleeding.
Possible causes and risk factors:
- The immune system attacks the bone marrow
- Certain viral infections, such as hepatitis or Epstein-Barr virus
- Exposure to harmful chemicals or radiation
- Side effects of some medications
- Autoimmune conditions
- In some cases, no clear cause is found
Symptoms
Aplastic anemia can affect people differently, but symptoms often develop as blood cell levels drop.
Common symptoms include:
- Feeling very tired or weak
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent infections or fevers
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
- Dizziness or headaches
How is it diagnosed?
Your provider will start with a physical exam and review your health history. Blood tests are used to check your blood cell levels and overall health.
If aplastic anemia is suspected, a bone marrow biopsy is often needed. This test looks directly at how well your bone marrow is producing cells and helps confirm the diagnosis.
How is it treated?
Treatment focuses on improving blood cell counts and, when possible, addressing the underlying cause.
Early and supportive treatments may include:
- Blood transfusions to replace missing cells
- Antibiotics to prevent or treat infections
- Medications that help the bone marrow produce more cells
Advanced treatment options:
- Medicines that calm the immune system
- Growth factor therapies
- Bone marrow (stem cell) transplant, which may offer a cure for some patients
Recovery depends on the severity of the condition and how well it responds to treatment. Some people improve with therapy, while others may need long-term care and monitoring.
