Aplastic anemia

Aplastic anemia is a rare but potentially life-threatening blood disorder characterized by the bone marrow’s inability to produce sufficient new blood cells. This condition can affect people of all ages and may occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). When the bone marrow fails to produce adequate blood cells, it can lead to various complications, including increased risk of infections, uncontrolled bleeding, and anemia-related fatigue.

Causes

The causes of aplastic anemia can be classified into inherited and acquired. Inherited forms are due to genetic mutations that are passed down through families. Acquired aplastic anemia, which is more common, may be triggered by factors such as exposure to certain drugs, chemicals, radiation, viral infections, or an autoimmune response, where the body mistakenly attacks its own bone marrow cells.

Symptoms

The symptoms of aplastic anemia are often nonspecific and can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

  1. Fatigue and weakness
  2. Pale skin
  3. Shortness of breath
  4. Frequent or prolonged infections
  5. Unexplained or easy bruising
  6. Prolonged bleeding from minor cuts
  7. Nosebleeds and gum bleeding
  8. Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of aplastic anemia typically involves a combination of blood tests, physical examination, and bone marrow biopsy. Blood tests can reveal low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A bone marrow biopsy, in which a small sample of bone marrow is extracted and examined under a microscope, can help confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition.

Treatment

Treatment for aplastic anemia depends on the underlying cause, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s overall health. Mild cases may only require monitoring and blood transfusions to manage symptoms. However, for more severe cases, the following treatments may be considered:

  1. Immunosuppressive therapy: Medications such as cyclosporine and antithymocyte globulin are used to suppress the immune system, reducing its attack on the bone marrow and allowing it to recover.
  2. Growth factors: Medications like erythropoietin, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) can stimulate the bone marrow to produce more blood cells.
  3. Antibiotics and antifungal medications: These are used to prevent or treat infections due to low white blood cell counts.

Role of Bone marrow transplantation

Bone marrow transplantation, is a potentially curative treatment for aplastic anemia. It involves replacing the damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor, usually a sibling or an unrelated matched donor. The healthy stem cells are then infused into the patient’s bloodstream, where they travel to the bone marrow and begin producing new blood cells.

Stem cell transplantation can be an effective treatment for severe aplastic anemia or cases that do not respond to other treatments. However, it comes with risks, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a condition where the donor cells attack the recipient’s body, and complications related to the conditioning regimen, such as infections or organ damage. The decision to undergo stem cell transplantation should be carefully weighed against the potential benefits and risks in consultation with a healthcare team experienced in the procedure.

Locations & Directions Locations & Directions

 

Get Directions

Find us on map
 

Contact & Appointment

[email protected]
 

Emergency Service

Call Us : (+66)8-522 38888