Aplastic Anemia
Overview
Aplastic anemia is a rare but serious blood disorder where the bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells. This results in a shortage of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which can lead to various health complications.
It can affect individuals of any age but is most frequently diagnosed in children and young adults, with peak incidence occurring during adolescence.
Causes of Aplastic Anemia
Acquired causes
Viral infections such as hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), parvovirus B19, and HIV can damage bone marrow.
Medications, including chemotherapy agents, some antibiotics, and anti-seizure medications.
Exposure to harmful substances like heavy metals and radiation.
Autoimmune disorders like lupus may cause the immune system to attack bone marrow cells.
Cancers such as acute lymphocytic leukemia can also result in aplastic anemia.
Inherited causes
Fanconi anemia: A genetic disorder affecting DNA repair and leading to bone marrow failure.
Dyskeratosis congenita: A condition impacting skin, nails, and blood cell production.
Shwachman-diamond Syndrome: A genetic disorder affecting the pancreas and blood cell production.
Reticular dysgenesis: A rare inherited condition causing severe immune deficiency and blood cell production issues.
Common signs and symptoms
- Fatigue and pallor due to low red blood cell counts.
- Shortness of breath especially during physical activity.
- Frequent infections due to low white blood cell counts.
- Easy bruising or bleeding due to low platelet counts, leading to symptoms like nosebleeds or petechiae (small red spots on the skin).
Diagnostic tests
- Complete blood count (CBC) can indicate low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: This involves taking a small sample of bone marrow, typically from the hipbone. The bone marrow appears hypocellular, with a predominance of fat cells.
- Other tests to identify any inherited conditions that may be causing the disease.
Treatment options
Supportive care including antibiotics for infections and medications to manage symptoms.
Blood Transfusions.
Immunosuppressive therapy may be used to suppress the immune system and allow the bone marrow to recover.
Bone marrow transplant (BMT) for severe cases.
The Journey of Healing Starts Here
If you or your loved one is experiencing symptoms of Aplastic Anemia, our expert hematology team is here to help. We provide comprehensive diagnostic services, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing support to ensure the best outcomes.
Prognosis
The prognosis for children with aplastic anemia has significantly improved due to advancements in treatment options.
At our center, we have achieved excellent outcomes with upfront allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for patients with severe aplastic anemia, demonstrating 100% survival rates and effective long-term remission. This approach allows us to provide a curative option, leveraging advanced techniques and comprehensive care to ensure the best possible results for our patients.