Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 284.0      ICD10: D61.9      ICD11: 3A70

Aplastic anemia is a rare and serious blood disorder where the bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells.
This includes:

Red blood cells: Carry oxygen throughout the body.
White blood cells: Fight infections.
Platelets: Help the blood clot.

Causes

The exact cause of aplastic anemia is often unknown (idiopathic). However, some known causes include:

Autoimmune disorders: The immune system mistakenly attacks the bone marrow.
Genetic factors: Inherited conditions like Fanconi anemia.
Exposure to toxins: Benzene, pesticides, arsenic.
Medications: Certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, anti-seizure medications.
Viral infections: Hepatitis, HIV, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
Radiation therapy: High doses of radiation can damage the bone marrow.
Pregnancy: Rarely, aplastic anemia can develop during pregnancy.

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

Fatigue: Due to low red blood cell count (anemia).
Shortness of breath: Also due to anemia.
Pale skin: Due to anemia.
Frequent infections: Due to low white blood cell count (leukopenia or neutropenia).
Easy bruising or bleeding: Due to low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).
Nosebleeds: Due to low platelet count.
Bleeding gums: Due to low platelet count.
Prolonged bleeding from cuts: Due to low platelet count.
Skin rash: In some cases.
Dizziness: Due to anemia.
Headaches: Due to anemia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

Physical exam: The doctor will assess your overall health and look for signs of anemia, bruising, or infection.
Blood tests: A complete blood count (CBC) will show decreased levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: A sample of bone marrow is taken and examined under a microscope to check for abnormalities in blood cell production. This is the definitive diagnostic test.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the aplastic anemia and the patient's overall health. Options include:

Blood transfusions: To increase red blood cell and platelet counts, providing temporary relief from symptoms.
Medications:
Immunosuppressants: Such as cyclosporine and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG), to suppress the immune system if it's attacking the bone marrow.
Growth factors: To stimulate the bone marrow to produce more blood cells.
Bone marrow transplantation (stem cell transplantation): This is the most effective treatment for severe aplastic anemia. It involves replacing the damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor.
Antibiotics/Antifungals: To treat or prevent infections, especially when white blood cell counts are low.
Supportive care: Preventing and treating complications such as bleeding and infection.

Complications

Aplastic anemia can lead to serious complications, including:

Severe anemia: Leading to fatigue, weakness, and heart problems.
Severe infections: Due to low white blood cell count.
Bleeding problems: Due to low platelet count.
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS): A type of bone marrow disorder that can progress to leukemia.
Leukemia: A cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

In summary, aplastic anemia is a serious condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells, leading to anemia, increased risk of infection, and bleeding problems. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and improve the patient's quality of life.

If you suspect you or someone you know has aplastic anemia, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management. This information is for general knowledge and should not be considered medical advice.