Anaemia caused by the bone marrow failing to form red blood cells.
Aplastic anemia is a rare yet serious form of anemia characterized by a diminished level of the oxygen-carrying pigment, hemoglobin, in the blood. In this condition, there is a reduction in the number of red cells, white cells, and platelets. Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow fails to generate the necessary stem cells, which serve as the initial form from which all blood cells develop.
The ability of the bone marrow to produce cells can be temporarily hindered by cancer treatment using radiotherapy or anticancer drugs, certain viral infections, and certain medications. Prolonged exposure to insecticides or benzene fumes may lead to persistent aplastic anemia, and a moderate to high dose of nuclear radiation is also recognized as a cause. In some cases, an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, is responsible. Additionally, there are instances where aplastic anemia develops without a known cause.
A reduced level of red blood cells can cause symptoms that are commonly associated with all types of anemia, including fatigue and breathlessness. Insufficient white blood cells in the body increases the vulnerability to infections, leading to frequent or severe occurrences of infections. Deficiency in platelets may result in easy bruising, bleeding gums, and nosebleeds.
The suspicion of aplastic anemia typically arises from the findings of a blood test, particularly a blood count. To confirm the diagnosis, a bone marrow biopsy is performed, involving the extraction of a small sample of bone marrow for microscopic analysis.
To manage symptoms, blood and platelet transfusions can be employed. In cases where aplastic anemia is caused by an autoimmune process, immunosuppression therapy is utilized to suppress the immune system. For severe and persistent aplastic anemia, a bone marrow transplant is often necessary, as the condition can be fatal without this intervention.