What causes idiopathic aplastic anemia?

In aplastic anemia, stem cells are damaged. As a result, the bone marrow is either empty (aplastic) or contains few blood cells (hypoplastic). The most common cause of aplastic anemia is from your immune system attacking the stem cells in your bone marrow.

What is the survival rate of aplastic anemia?

Aplastic anemia is a life-threatening condition with very high death rates (about 70% within 1 year) if untreated. The overall five-year survival rate is about 80% for patients under age 20. In recent years, the long-term outcomes of aplastic anemia patients have been continuously improving.

What deficiency causes aplastic anemia?

Hemoglobin contains iron, which is necessary for hemoglobin to bind oxygen. Many cases of anemia stem from an iron deficiency. These types of anemia are easily treatable. However, aplastic anemia starts with a bone marrow problem and it is not caused by iron deficiency.

What is idiopathic aplastic anemia?

At a Glance. Idiopathic aplastic anemia is an acquired bone marrow failure syndrome. It presents with the sequelae of peripheral cytopenias. Patients may exhibit fatigue, pallor, dyspnea on exertion, tachycardia due to anemia, and easy bruising or mucocutaneous bleeding due to thrombocytopenia.

How long can you live with aplastic anemia without a bone marrow transplant?

The median survival of the 146 patients who did not undergo bone marrow transplantation was 5.6 years, with 49% +/- 4% surviving more than 6 years. The most important predictor of survival was positive response to ATG (P < 0.001), which was observed in 48% of patients.

Is aplastic anemia a form of leukemia?

Individuals affected with acquired aplastic anemia are also at risk that it will evolve into another similar disorder known as myelodysplasia. In a minority of cases, acquired aplastic anemia may eventually develop leukemia.

What is Fanconi’s Anaemia?

Fanconi anemia is a rare disease passed down through families (inherited) that mainly affects the bone marrow. It results in decreased production of all types of blood cells. This is the most common inherited form of aplastic anemia. Fanconi anemia is different from Fanconi syndrome, a rare kidney disorder.

Can aplastic anemia turn into leukemia?

What is aplastic anemia?

Aplastic anemia is a blood disorder caused by failure of the bone marrow to make enough new blood cells. Bone marrow is a sponge-like tissue inside the bones that makes stem cells that develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Can aplastic anemia be mistaken for myelodysplastic syndrome?

Confusion with myelodysplastic syndrome. Aplastic anemia can be mistaken for a condition called myelodysplastic syndrome. In this group of disorders, the bone marrow produces new blood cells, but they’re deformed and underdeveloped.

How are blood transfusions used to treat aplastic anemia?

Treatment for aplastic anemia usually involves blood transfusions to control bleeding and relieve anemia symptoms. Blood transfusions aren’t a cure for aplastic anemia. But they do relieve signs and symptoms by providing blood cells that your bone marrow isn’t producing. A transfusion may include:

How do I prepare for an appointment for aplastic anemia?

Preparing for your appointment. If you have signs or symptoms of aplastic anemia, start by making an appointment with your family doctor or a general practitioner. If your doctor suspects aplastic anemia, you’ll likely be referred to a doctor who specializes in treating blood disorders (hematologist).