Aplastic anemia is the result of the body’s bone marrow not producing enough healthy red cells.
This can occur because the bone marrow has been damaged by toxic chemicals, radiation, or chemotherapy.
In approximately 50% of diagnoses, the cause is unknown. It’s a chronic condition that can last for years or for the duration of the patient’s life, and if left untreated, can be fatal.
The symptoms of aplastic anemia vary from person to person, but when red blood cell counts are low, they can include:
- fatigue
- breathlessness
- infections
- weight loss
- heart palpitations
- uncontrolled bleeding
When white blood cell counts are low, the person may have mouth sores, sinus problems, bladder infections, and difficulty breathing.
If platelets are low, symptoms may include nose bleeds, small flat red spots called petechiae (which are caused by bleeding under the skin), and bruising.
It’s important to note that some people with a low platelet count may not exhibit any symptoms, and if the count drops low enough, they may experience dangerous episodes of internal bleeding.
There are two types of aplastic anemia: acquired and hereditary.
The first is considered an autoimmune disorder because the body, instead of only attacking foreign substances, instead attacks healthy blood cells. And hereditary aplastic anemia, or congenital aplastic anemia, is passed down from generation to generation. Most commonly, diagnosis occurs during childhood.
A number of blood tests can help determine if a person has aplastic anemia, and also serve to help develop a treatment plan in the case of a positive diagnosis.
Tests most frequently used are:
- A complete blood count (CBC)
- This measures the number of each type of blood cell present in the bone marrow
- Reticulocyte count
- This measures the number of young red blood cells
- EPO level
- This measures the level of erythropoietin, a protein manufactured by the kidneys that is essential to triggering the bone marrow to make more red blood cells
- Iron level
- This determines if there is too much, or too little, iron in the blood
- B12 and folate levels
- The lack of B12 and folate can cause blood cells to have an abnormal shape. This prevents the cells from functioning normally
If you think you may have aplastic anemia, your doctor may refer you to a hematologist. Treatments are tailored to the individual, so having a specialist is important.
