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Aplastic Anemia

Severe haematological emergency in which bone marrow fails to produce sufficient blood cells.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Hematoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Aplastic Anemia?

Aplastic anaemia is a severe haematological disorder in which the bone marrow — including stem cells — cannot produce adequate numbers of blood cells, leading to pancytopenia (reduced red cells, white cells and platelets). It is most often immune-mediated, with cytotoxic T-lymphocytes attacking haematopoietic stem cells; rarely it is inherited (Fanconi anaemia) or related to drugs or radiation.

It is classified as mild, moderate or severe (SAA). Severe aplastic anaemia carries a high mortality from infection and bleeding and is regarded as a haematological emergency requiring urgent treatment.

Treatment depends on age and donor availability. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is first line for patients under 40 with an HLA-matched sibling donor; for the others, antithymocyte globulin (ATG) plus ciclosporin and eltrombopag is the standard combination.

Symptoms

Severe fatigue and shortness of breath (anaemia)
Frequent and severe infections (neutropenia)
Spontaneous bleeding: petechiae, epistaxis, gum bleeding (thrombocytopenia)
Pallor and tachycardia
Fever
Easy bruising
Blood in urine or stool (in severe disease)

Risk Factors

Some viral infections (parvovirus B19, EBV, hepatitis viruses)
Drugs (chloramphenicol, gold, NSAIDs, antiepileptics — rare)
Exposure to radiation and chemical toxins
Fanconi anaemia and other inherited bone-marrow failure syndromes
Pregnancy (rarely associated)
Thymic disease
Autoimmune disease

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When severe fatigue, spontaneous bleeding and fever occur together (urgent)
  • When the blood count shows a drop in all three lines (anaemia + leucopenia + thrombocytopenia)
  • When widespread petechiae and purpura appear
  • Patients with a confirmed diagnosis need immediate haematology referral for treatment planning

Treatment Methods

01
Allogeneic stem cell transplant: first choice in young patients with an HLA-matched sibling donor
02
Immunosuppressive therapy: ATG (horse or rabbit) with ciclosporin and eltrombopag
03
Supportive care: transfusions, antibiotic and antifungal prophylaxis
04
G-CSF: short-term to support neutrophil production
05
Eltrombopag: alone or combined with immunosuppression
06
Alternative donor transplant: mismatched donor or cord-blood (advanced options)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Hematoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.