 Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow stops making enough blood-forming stem cells.
History: The diseases can be traced back to 1888 when a famous German pathologist Dr. Paul Ehrlich studied the case of a pregnant woman who died of bone marrow failure. However, the disorder was not officially termed as "aplastic anemia" until 1904.
Blood and bone marrow findings: Patients with aplastic anemia typically have low blood cell counts in all three blood lines - red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Upon examination, the bone marrow is found to be hypoplastic or aplastic, meaning low growth or no growth of blood-forming stem cells. Chromosomal abnormalities are not typically found in theses instances.
Subtypes: Doctors classify aplastic anemia as moderate (MAA), severe (SAA), or very severe (VSAA), based on the neutrophil count.
Symptoms: The symptoms of aplastic anemia can include increased bleeding, bruising, petechiae, susceptibility to infections, shortness of breath, fatigue, decreased alertness, dizziness and lingering illness.
Incidence and Diagnosis: Although aplastic anemia can appear at any age, it is diagnosed more often in children and young adults. Diagnosis begins with a review of your history and symptoms, then your doctor will obtain a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and finally a bone marrow biopsy. Treatment: In acquired aplastic anemia, immunosuppressive therapy with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) plus cyclosporine is the therapy of choice for older patients. It is also used for patients who do not have a matched sibling stem cell donor. Response rates are 70 to 80%.
For patients younger than 30 years old who have a matched sibling donor, stem cell transplantation replaces the defective bone marrow with healthy cells. This treatment option provides complete recovery for 80% of these patients.
Ask your hematologist about all treatment options. The AA&MDSIF information packet contains a Managing Treatment Decisions brochure which explains the information you need to make an informed decision that is right for you. It includes questions that need to be answered before you agree to any treatment option. To request a free copy of this information packet, please click here.
Overview of Bone Marrow Diseases
Bone Marrow and Blood Production
Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
Learn More About Your Disease
Glossary
Last Modified: November 10, 2006 |
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