Aplastic anemia is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition in which the body stops producing enough new blood cells. It can be caused by certain drugs or medical conditions, or it can be of unknown origin. The duration of aplastic anemia varies greatly depending on the severity of the condition, the underlying cause, and whether or not the patient has received treatments such as a bone marrow transplant.
Symptoms of Aplastic Anemia
The most common symptoms of aplastic anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath, easy bruising, frequent infections, and paleness. Other symptoms may include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and abnormal bleeding from cuts or scrapes.
Diagnosis of Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, laboratory tests, and bone marrow biopsy. Blood tests may be used to measure the number of red and white blood cells, as well as platelets. A bone marrow biopsy may also be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Aplastic Anemia
Treatment for aplastic anemia typically involves either a bone marrow transplant or immunosuppressive therapy. A bone marrow transplant is the only curative therapy for aplastic anemia, and it involves replacing a patient's diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow from a donor. Immunosuppressive therapy involves taking medications that suppress the immune system in order to prevent it from attacking the body's own healthy cells.
Outlook for Aplastic Anemia
The outlook for aplastic anemia depends largely on the severity of the condition, the underlying cause, and whether or not the patient has received treatment. In some cases, the condition can be managed with medications and other treatments, while in other cases, a bone marrow transplant may be necessary to cure the condition.