Aplastic anemia is a rare, serious condition that happens when the bone marrow – the soft, sponge-like material inside bones – doesn’t make enough new, healthy blood cells for the body to function properly. Aplastic anemia is not cancer.
Aplastic Anemia Overview
Aplastic anemia, a type of bone marrow failure syndrome, happens when the bone marrow stops making enough new, healthy blood cells for the body to function properly. The bone marrow is the soft, sponge-like tissue in the center of the bones that makes the stem cells, which become white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.
The exact causes of aplastic anemia aren't well understood currently. However, the hematology research scientists and clinicians at the OSUCCC – James are global leaders in studying this blood disease to uncover possible causes and to develop even better treatment protocols.
Here’s what we know about the condition: Aplastic anemia begins when stem cells found within the bone marrow are damaged or destroyed. This results in fewer healthy red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Sometimes, in moderate cases, one or two types of blood cells may be low. In severe cases, all three types of blood cells are extremely low and immediate treatment is required.
Inherited conditions, like Fanconi anemia and Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, may result in aplastic anemia. Most of the time, however, aplastic anemia results when your body’s immune system attacks itself and destroys or damages the stem cells in the bone marrow.
How Does Aplastic Anemia Affect Your Body?
Aplastic anemia is not cancer, but if left untreated, it may increase the risk of developing blood cancers like acute myeloid leukemia and serious conditions like irregular heartbeat and heart failure.
There are two types of aplastic anemia:- Inherited (constitutional) aplastic anemia, a type of marrow failure syndrome, means the condition is passed from parent to child. This type of aplastic anemia is caused by a genetic mutation that predisposes children to the condition, with symptoms appearing as early as 2 years old or in some young adults (late teens through early 20s). This type of aplastic anemia is very rare.
- Acquired aplastic anemia means the condition develops over time and symptoms may begin to appear in adults. Though rare, this type of aplastic anemia is diagnosed more often than inherited aplastic anemia.
Regardless of the type, aplastic anemia may be diagnosed at any age. Aplastic anemia symptoms may develop slowly or rapidly and can range from very mild to severe.
What are the Symptoms of Aplastic Anemia?
Signs and symptoms of aplastic anemia can vary based on whether it is inherited or acquired, and which type of blood cell is low – red, white, platelets or all three. For some people, symptoms may develop rapidly and become severe. For others, symptoms may not be noticeable initially, may develop slowly or may mimic the symptoms of other chronic conditions.
Some symptoms of acquired aplastic anemia may include:- Excessive bleeding and bruising
- Bleeding gums
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Severe infections (like fungal infections) that last a long time
- Crowded facial features
- Tongue abnormalities
- Skin abnormalities
- Abnormalities in the forearm bones
- Abnormalities in the hand bones
Sometimes aplastic anemia symptoms can be confused with those of hypocellular myelodysplastic syndrome, so it’s important to see a hematology expert with extensive expertise in both diseases.
Having these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have aplastic anemia. But if you have one or a combination of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor immediately.
If you've been diagnosed with aplastic anemia or would like to speak with a hematology expert at the OSUCCC – James, please call 614-293-9441 or 800-293-5066. Telehealth options are available.