Anemia

Aplastic Anemia

Three kinds of blood cells make up the body's blood supply. Bone marrow produces white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Aplastic anemia can occur when bone marrow does not produce blood cells normally. Patients who have aplastic anemia may suffer from an increase in infections and uncontrolled bleeding. The condition can occur at any age, and in some cases physicians link it to exposure to certain chemicals or drugs. In other cases, physicians link aplastic anemia to an autoimmune condition such as lupus, a bone marrow disease or a viral infection.

Treatment

Treatment for aplastic anemia depends upon its cause and severity. In mild cases, physicians may recommend a period of observation. Moderate cases may require blood transfusions and medications to suppress the immune system. Severe cases may require bone marrow transplantation.

Blood Transfusions

Transfusing red blood cells and platelets can help relieve symptoms for patients suffering from aplastic anemia. Blood transfusions do not cure the disease, but offer temporary relief. Multiple blood transfusions may be necessary.

Medications

Physicians use several medications to control aplastic anemia, including:

• Antibiotics can help control infections in patients with severe aplastic anemia.
• Growth factors can help stimulate the bone marrow to make more blood cells.
• Corticosteroids and other immune suppressing drugs are used when the body's immune system is believed to be destroying cells in the bone marrow. Many types of immune suppressing drugs can be used, depending upon the condition and the needs of the patient.

Stem Cell Transplants

In severe aplastic anemia, a bone marrow or blood stem cell transplant may be considered. In four of five cases, stem cell transplants cure aplastic anemia. Experienced physicians at Mayo Clinic work with each patient to carefully weigh the options, risks and benefits of bone marrow transplants. Physicians use radiation or chemotherapy to kill the patient's defective bone marrow before implanting bone marrow from a donor. Physicians carefully match a patient's bone marrow type with the donor's. Bone marrow transplant may require a lengthy stay at a Mayo Clinic hospital. Read more about bone marrow transplant.

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