Aplastic Anemia: Symptoms and Treatment

Aplastic anemia is a medical term to signify the condition in which bone marrow fails to produce sufficient new blood cells. Bone marrow is responsible for the formation of stem cells, which in turn develop into blood cells. So, the failure of the bone marrow to form new blood cells results in a low count of all the three types of blood cells, i.e. red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. All the three types of blood cells have a limited lifespan and so the continuous loss has to be replenished by the production of new blood cells. The main difference between anemia and aplastic anemia, is that the former generally refers to the low count of red blood cells in the blood, while aplastic anemia signifies a low count of all the three types of blood cells.

Causes of Aplastic Anemia

There can be various factors that can impair the bone marrow and the stem cells and lead to aplastic anemia. In many instances, it can be an autoimmune disorder, where the body's immune system attacks the bone marrow or the stem cells. Sometimes, certain drugs like chloramphenicol, carbamazepine, felbamate, phenytoin, quinine, and phenylbutazone may also trigger the disease.

Besides this, excessive exposure to some toxic substances such as arsenic, benzene, pesticides, insecticides and radioactive materials can also cause this health condition. In addition to the above said factors, some therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy used in cancer treatment for destroying the cancerous cells of the body, can also cause extensive damage to the bone marrow. Even viral infections like hepatitis and HIV, can affect bone marrow and lead to it. In many instances, cancer which spreads to the bone marrow from other parts of the body, can be a major factor. However, in almost half of the affected individuals, the cause of the disease is unknown.

Symptoms of Aplastic Anemia

The symptoms are produced due to the low level of blood cells. The red blood cells of the body are responsible for carrying oxygen to the different parts of the body, and hence, a reduction in their number severely impairs the normal transportation of oxygen. This leads to many symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin and gums, dizziness, palpitations, chest pain, etc. On the other hand, a reduction in the number of white blood cells, reduces the ability of the immune system to fight infectious diseases. Therefore, frequent fever and infections are very common among the patients.

Platelets play an important role in blood clotting and so, a low count of platelets produces symptoms like delay in blood clotting, nosebleeds, bleeding gums and heavy menstrual bleeding in women. Besides, individuals with this condition may also experience nausea and skin rashes.

Treatment for Aplastic Anemia

Diagnosis usually starts with the evaluation of family and medical history of an individual. Several physical tests are carried out, which include complete blood tests to determine the count of all the types of blood cells, and reticulocyte count. Reticulocyte count is executed to measure the number of young red blood cells, in order to examine if the bone marrow is producing sufficient new red blood cells. Besides this, tests are also performed to examine thyroid functions and the level of vitamin B12 and folic acid, to exclude the anemia caused by deficiency of these vitamins. X-ray, CT scan and ultrasound are performed to look for enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen, which is an indication of blood cancer. The definitive test for the proper diagnosis of the disease is the bone marrow test, which includes both an aspiration and a biopsy. Aspiration is usually done to find out the exact reason behind the insufficient production of blood cells by the bone marrow.

Treatment for the disease generally includes medications, bone marrow transplantation and blood transfusion. If it is caused by the disorder of the immune system, then immunosuppressive medications are used. However, in severe cases, bone marrow transplantation is required. Blood transfusion is also required as the level of blood cells is very low, in patients of plastic anemia. These treatments can alleviate the symptoms and prolong the life span of an individual afflicted with aplastic anemia. However, a permanent cure is possible in the case of a successful bone marrow transplantation. If the disease is caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, then preventing further exposure may also cure the disease.

Aplastic anemia is a rare, but life-threatening disease. If not treated on time, it can lead to the death of an individual within a short period of just six months. However, an early diagnosis and prompt treatment can significantly increase the probability of improving the survival rate to several years.