Key Points

• Aplastic anemia is a rare and serious blood disorder that happens when bone marrow stops making enough new blood cells.
• Blood contains three types of cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
  • The hemoglobin in red blood cells carries oxygen through your bloodstream to your body’s tissues and organs and removes carbon dioxide (a waste product).
  • White blood cells fight infection.
  • Platelets help the blood to clot.
• In aplastic anemia, the numbers of all three blood cell types are too low.
• The two main types of aplastic anemia are acquired and hereditary. Acquired aplastic anemia can be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, radiation, certain medicines, or viruses. Hereditary aplastic anemia occurs with certain inherited conditions, such as Fanconi anemia.
• Common signs and symptoms of aplastic anemia are:
  • Low energy, tiredness, and weakness
  • Bleeding that is hard to control
  • Frequent fever or infections that linger
• Aplastic anemia is diagnosed using medical and family history, a physical exam, and a number of tests and procedures.
  • A complete blood count measures the number of all types of blood cells.
  • Bone marrow tests give important information about the number and quality of bone marrow cells.
  • Other tests may include studies of the abdomen, chest, and liver.
• Treatments for aplastic anemia include blood transfusions, bone marrow transplant, and medicines.
  • Blood transfusions help with the immediate problems of bone marrow failure but are not a permanent treatment.
  • Bone marrow transplant can cure aplastic anemia in some people.
  • A number of medicines are used to treat aplastic anemia. They can suppress the immune system, stimulate the bone marrow, and treat infections.
• With appropriate treatment, many people with aplastic anemia can be treated successfully and can live normal lives. Some people with aplastic anemia can be cured with a bone marrow transplant.