Aplastic anemia is a rare, life-threatening condition in which the body does not produce enough new blood cells. Without treatment, it can be fatal. However, with advances in medical treatments, many people with aplastic anemia can now live long, healthy lives.
What Is Aplastic Anemia?
Aplastic anemia is a type of anemia in which the bone marrow does not produce enough new blood cells. It is a rare condition, affecting only 1 in every 500,000 people in the United States. It can develop at any age, but it is most common in young adults and children.
What Causes Aplastic Anemia?
The exact cause of aplastic anemia is not known. In some cases, it is caused by an autoimmune disorder, in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells. In other cases, it may be caused by certain medications, exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, or a virus.
What Are the Symptoms of Aplastic Anemia?
The symptoms of aplastic anemia can vary from person to person, but may include fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, and easy bruising or bleeding.
How Is Aplastic Anemia Diagnosed?
Aplastic anemia is usually diagnosed using a combination of a physical exam, a blood test, and a bone marrow biopsy. The blood test looks at the number of red and white blood cells, as well as platelets. The bone marrow biopsy looks for abnormalities in the structure of the bone marrow.
How Is Aplastic Anemia Treated?
The most common treatments for aplastic anemia are bone marrow or stem cell transplant and immunosuppressive therapy. Bone marrow or stem cell transplants involve replacing the damaged bone marrow with healthy bone marrow or stem cells from a donor. Immunosuppressive therapy uses drugs to suppress the body's immune system and prevent it from attacking the bone marrow.
Can You Survive Aplastic Anemia?
The outlook for people with aplastic anemia depends on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment received. With advances in medical treatments, many people with aplastic anemia can now live long, healthy lives.