Aplastic Anemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Aplastic anemia is a rare, serious condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells (red cells, white cells, platelets). It is not a form of leukemia.

Potential Causes

• Autoimmune disorders: Immune system attacks hematopoietic stem cells.
• Viral infections: Hepatitis, parvovirus B19, HIV, EBV.
• Toxins and medications: Benzene, chemotherapy drugs, certain antibiotics, gold salts.
• Radiation therapy: Exposure to bone marrow.
• Genetic predisposition: Inherited syndromes (e.g., Fanconi anemia).
• Pregnancy: Rare, immune-mediated onset during gestation.

Common Symptoms

• Fatigue, weakness, pallor (anemia)
• Frequent infections (neutropenia)
• Easy bruising, bleeding gums, petechiae (thrombocytopenia)

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis requires bone marrow biopsy showing hypocellularity. Treatment options include immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., antithymocyte globulin + cyclosporine), hematopoietic stem cell transplant (curative for eligible patients), and supportive care (transfusions, growth factors).