Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia is a rare condition, but it’s serious and causes severe complications, and it can also be a life-threatening condition.

Aplastic anemia

Aplastic anemia is a blood disorder that occurs when the bone marrow doesn’t make blood cells and platelets as it used to.

Aplastic anemia can affect anyone at any age, and it can happen suddenly or progress over time. It can also be short-lived or chronic.

Causes of aplastic anemia

The bone marrow, which is a spongy material inside the bones, produces the blood cells from the stem cells inside it. However, in aplastic anemia, stem cells are damaged; therefore, the number of blood cells is less than normal. Causes of aplastic anemia include:

• The immune system is attacking the stem cells in the bone marrow, which is the most common cause.
• Radiation and chemotherapy.
• Toxic chemicals.
• Having an autoimmune disease, such as lupus.
• A viral infection, such as hepatitis, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, HIV, and parvovirus B19.
• Pregnancy.
• Some conditions occur with no known cause.
• Certain medications, such as the drugs that are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and some antibiotics.

Symptoms of aplastic anemia

Some patients with aplastic anemia may not suffer from any symptoms, which include:

• Recurrent viral infections that last longer than normal.
• Fever.
• Headache.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Shortness of breath.
• Paleness.
• Dizziness.

Diagnosis of aplastic anemia

• Blood tests.
• Bone marrow biopsy.

Treatment of aplastic anemia

Treating aplastic anemia depends on the symptoms, and the treatments include:

• Blood transfusion.
• Stem cell transplant.
• Immunosuppressants.
• Medications.