Aplastic anemia is a blood disorder in which bone marrow failure occurs and body stops producing enough new blood cells that is red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets which poses higher risk of infections and uncontrolled bleeding. A serious condition that can develop at any age, though it's most common in younger people.

 

Causes:

Inherited causes:

• Fanconi anemia
• Cartilage-hair hypoplasia
• Pearson syndrome
• Shwachman-Diamond syndrome
• Diamond-Blackfan syndrome
• Familial aplastic anemia

Acquired causes of aplastic anemia:

• Idiopathic factors
• Infectious causes, such as hepatitis viruses, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV, parvovirus, and mycobacteria
• Toxic exposure to radiation and chemicals, such as benzene
• Drugs and elements, such as chloramphenicol, phenylbutazone, and gold
• Viral hepatitis
• Pregnancy
• Eosinophilic fasciitis

Signs and symptoms:

• Anemia with malaise, pallor and associated symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath
• Thrombocytopenia with low platelet counts, leading to increased risk of hemorrhage, bruising and petechiae
• Leukopenia with low white blood cell count, leading to increased risk of infections
• Reticulocytopenia

Diagnosis:

• Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
• History of radiation and chemical exposure
• X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or ultrasound imaging tests
• Liver tests
• Viral studies
• Vitamin B12 and folate levels
• Blood tests and urine tests
• Test for antibodies

Treatment:

• Blood transfusion to fill up the blood cells
• Bone marrow transplantation
• Suppression of immune system for controlling infections
• Anti thymocyte and anti lymphocyte globulin
• Cyclosporine for modulation of immune system
• Mild chemotherapy with Cyclophosphamide and vincristine
• Steroids and antibiotics, antiviral drugs for controlling infections.