Polycythemia
Aplastic anemia happens when your body does not make enough new blood cells. This makes you feel really tired and makes you more likely to get infections and bleed a lot. It is not a common disease, but it is serious. It can happen to anyone at any age. Sometimes, it shows up all of a sudden; other times, it happens slowly and gets worse. It can be not too bad or really bad. Patients can connect with doctors at Therrapie Hematology and Oncology Care for the treatment of aplastic anemia. Doctors can suggest a blood transfusion or have a special kind of surgery called a stem cell transplant, which is also known as a bone marrow transplant.
About Bone Marrow
Bone marrow is found inside your bones where blood cells are formed. It creates stem cells, which can become red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.
Normally, bone marrow keeps the right amount of blood cells flowing in your body. But if there are too many or too few blood cells, it can cause issues.
Red blood cells: They carry oxygen through your body. Red blood cells are also called erythrocytes.
White blood cells: They help fight infections. Neutrophils fight bacteria, while lymphocytes fight viruses and other germs.
Platelets: These small cells help in clotting of blood.
When someone has aplastic anemia, all types of blood cells are low. This is called pancytopenia. Frequent bruising, nose bleeding, and feeling of tiredness are common signs because of low platelets and red blood cells. Also, catching more infections and longer sickness can happen because of low white blood cells.
Doctors at Therrapie Hematology and Oncology Care diagnose aplastic anemia by checking blood counts and bone marrow samples.
Who are affected:
Aplastic anemia can happen to anyone, regardless of age, but it is often seen more in young folks, typically between 10 and 20 years old, and in older adults aged 60 and above. Research indicates aplastic anemia is prevalent in Asian nations. Some studies suggest that 20-40% of pancytopenia cases are diagnosed as aplastic anemia.
| Causes | Description |
| Congenital or inherited | – Fanconi’s anemia: Autosomal recessive disorder. |
| – Diamond-Blackfan syndrome: Rare inherited condition. | |
| Acquired | – Idiopathic: No known cause. |
| – Infection: Seronegative hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV, parvovirus, mycobacteria. | |
| – Toxic exposure: Radiation, chemicals like benzene. | |
| – Drugs: Chloramphenicol, sulfonamides, certain antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. | |
| – Transfusional graft-versus-host disease. | |
| – Pregnancy ( Rase case) | |
| – Sickle cell anemia: Aplastic crisis associated with parvovirus infection. | |
| Genetic Factors | – Influence the bone marrow’s capacity to regenerate. |
Symptoms of Aplastic Anemia
| Symptom | Description |
| Pancytopenia | Reduction in all types of blood cells (red cells, platelets, and neutrophils) |
| Bruising | Easy bruising without apparent cause due to low platelet count, reducing blood clotting ability |
| Gum Bleeding/Nosebleeds | Bleeding gums after tooth brushing or nosebleeds due to low platelet count |
| Petechiae | Red pinprick spots under the skin resulting from low platelet count |
| Anaemia | Low red blood cell count leading to reduced oxygen delivery to muscles, causing fatigue, paleness, lethargy, and breathlessness after exercise |
| Neutropenia | Low neutrophil count increasing susceptibility to infections, with infections being more frequent or prolonged; diagnosed when neutrophil count falls below 0.5 x 10^9/l (500/mm^3) |
Classification of acquired aplastic anaemia
| Classification | Description |
| Acquired Aplastic Anaemia | A spectrum of severity ranging from mild to severe |
| Morbidity and Mortality | Severity of cytopenias (low blood cell counts) correlates more strongly with risk of illness or death than bone marrow cellularity |
| Non-severe | – Bone marrow is underproducing cells, but blood cell counts aren’t low enough to be classified as severe |
| – Bone marrow cellularity <25%, or 25-50% with <30% residual haemopoietic cells | |
| – Two out of three of the following: | |
| – Neutrophils <0.5 x 10^9/L | |
| – Platelets <20 x 10^9/L | |
| – Reticulocytes <20 x 10^9/L | |
| Severe | – Bone marrow contains <25% of normal cells, or 25-50% with <30% making blood cells |
| – Two out of three of the following: | |
| – Neutrophils <0.5 x 10^9/L | |
| – Platelets <20 x 10^9/L | |
| – Reticulocytes <20 x 10^9/L | |
| Very Severe | – Same as severe, but neutrophils <0.2 x 10^9/L |
Diagnosis of aplastic anemia at Therrapie Hematology and Oncology Care:
Doctors at Therrapie Hematology and Oncology Care use tests to find out if someone has aplastic anemia:
- Blood tests: Normally, the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood stay in specific ranges. But in aplastic anemia, the level of all three decreases.
- Bone marrow biopsy: Our doctors will take a small sample of bone marrow from a big bone in your body, like your hip bone, using a needle. They look at the sample under a microscope to check for other blood diseases. In aplastic anemia, the bone marrow has fewer blood cells than usual. Confirming aplastic anemia often needs a bone marrow biopsy.
After getting diagnosed with aplastic anemia, you might need more tests to determine what caused it.
Specialized aplastic anemia Treatment at Therrapie Hematology and Oncology Care
Walk towards better health with Therrapie Hematology and Oncology Care’s specialized therapy for aplastic anemia. Our clinic is equipped with the latest technology to raise the bar in treating these conditions, ensuring you receive exceptional care.
Our skilled team of doctors provides personalized solutions, blending advanced medical science with compassionate support to achieve the best possible outcomes for aplastic anemia patients. You can book a consultation now to access our cutting-edge facilities, advanced therapies, and unwavering support.
You can rely on us to manage your aplastic anemia effectively while providing the knowledge and attention needed for a brighter future. Your health is our priority, and your journey to top-notch care starts with us at Therrapie Hematology and Oncology Care.
