Overview By Mayo Clinic Staff Print Aplastic anemia is a condition that occurs when your body stops producing enough new blood cells. Aplastic anemia leaves you feeling fatigued and with a higher risk of infections and uncontrolled bleeding. A rare and serious condition, aplastic anemia can develop at any age. Aplastic anemia may occur suddenly, or it can occur slowly and get worse over a long period of time. Treatment for aplastic anemia may include medications, blood transfusions or a stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Symptoms & causes Nov. 24, 2016 Print Share on: Facebook Twitter References Goldman L, et al., eds. Aplastic anemia and related bone marrow failure states. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2016. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Sept. 18, 2016. McPherson RA, et al. Erythrocytic disorders. In: Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2016. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Sept. 18, 2016. The Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation. Aplastic anemia. http://www.aamds.org/diseases/aplastic-anemia. Accessed Sept. 18, 2016. Ferri FF. Anemia, aplastic. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2017. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Sept. 18, 2016. Schrier S. Aplastic anemia: Pathogenesis; clinical manifestations; and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Sept. 18, 2016. Schrier S. Treatment of aplastic anemia in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home.Accessed Sept. 18, 2016. Ask Mayo Expert. Aplastic anemia. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2016. Aplastic anemia. Merck Manual Professional Version. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology-and-oncology/anemias-caused-by-deficient-erythropoiesis/aplastic-anemia. Accessed Sept. 18, 2016. Negrin RS. Hematopoietic cell transplantation for aplastic anemia in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Sept. 18, 2016. Lichtman MA, et al. Aplastic Anemia: Acquired and Inherited. In: Williams Hematology. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2016. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=1581§ionid=94301148. Accessed Sept. 18, 2016. Aplastic anemia. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/aplastic. Accessed Sept. 18, 2016. Mesa RA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 22, 2016. RelatedStem cells: What they are and what they doBone marrow biopsyHeadacheNosebleedsFatigueShortness of breathDizziness Aplastic anemiaOverviewSymptoms & causesDiagnosis & treatmentDiagnosisTreatmentThe Mayo Clinic experience & patient storiesDepartments & specialtiesPreparing for your appointmentSelf-managementMore aboutIn-DepthMultimediaResources Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Store Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic Diet BookMedical News From a Trusted SourceMayo Clinic on Healthy AgingA New Perspective on Alzheimer'sThe Mayo Clinic Diet Online Diagnosis & treatmentRequest an AppointmentDiagnosisTreatmentThe Mayo Clinic experience & patient storiesDepartments & specialtiesPreparing for your appointment CON-20212607 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Aplastic anemia