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URL http://www.rockymountainbmt.com/diseases/Aplastic-Anemia-21.html

Aplastic Anemia

What is Aplastic Anemia?

Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow stops or slows down production of all three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A reduced number of red blood cells causes the hemoglobin to drop, while a reduced number of white blood cells reduces the ability to fight infections. A reduced number of platelets prohibits the blood from clotting. A rare and serious condition, aplastic anemia can develop at any age. The physicians at Rocky Mountain Cancer Center (RMCC) and the Rocky Mountain Blood and Marrow Transplant Program (RMBMTP) are specialists in the care of patients with blood disorders such as aplastic anemia.

What causes aplastic anemia?

Aplastic anemia can be caused by a variety of things or can occur sporadically for no known reason. Sometimes it is a result of a previous illness or disorder. Causes for aplastic anemia may include a history of certain infectious diseases (like hepatitis), history of taking certain medications like antibiotics and anticonvulsants, exposure to certain toxins such as heavy metals, exposure to radiation, history of an autoimmune disease, or an inherited condition.

How is aplastic anemia diagnosed?

Although individuals may experience symptoms differently, the most common symptoms of aplastic anemia are headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, bruising, lack of energy and tiring easily, pale skin, blood in the stool, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, fevers, sinus tenderness, enlarged liver or spleen, and oral thrush. These symptoms may look like other medical problems, so a doctor’s diagnosis is critical. In addition to a complete physical examination and medical history, the doctor may rely on additional blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy to diagnose aplastic anemia.

Aplastic anemia is classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Severe aplastic anemia (SAA) is life-threatening and may require immediate hospitalization and treatment. Moderate and mild aplastic anemia is still serious, but usually does not require hospitalization to treat.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment for aplastic anemia is based on the patient’s age, overall health, medical history and extent of the disease.

• blood transfusions (both red blood cells and platelets)


• antibiotics


• immunosuppressive therapy (cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, ATG, antithymocyte globulin, or steroids.)


• blood or marrow transplantation (BMT)

BMT is highly effective for treating SAA if done promptly using a well-matched donor. With prompt treatment, up to 90% of patients with SAA can be cured. Urgent referral to a transplant center is required for all patients with SAA.

Other treatments, including administering growth factor drugs, male hormones, and peripheral stem cell transplants are sometimes recommended.