Secondary aplastic anemia
Key points
- Secondary aplastic anemia is a failure of the bone marrow to form enough blood cells.
- Secondary aplastic anemia results from injury to stem cells.
- In secondary aplastic anemia, removal of the causative agent is critical, and in some cases can lead to recovery.
- Untreated aplastic anemia is an illness that leads to rapid death.
Alternative names
Anemia - secondary aplastic; Acquired aplastic anemia
Definition
Secondary aplastic anemia is a failure of the bone marrow to form enough blood cells. All blood cell types are affected.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Secondary aplastic anemia results from injury to stem cells. Normal stem cells divide and differentiate into all blood cell types. Thus, when stem cells are injured, there is a reduction in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
This condition can be caused by Chemotherapy, drug therapy to suppress the immune system, radiation therapy, toxins such as benzene or arsenic, drugs, pregnancy, and congenital disorders. When the cause is unknown, it is then referred to as idiopathic aplastic anemia.
The disease may be acute or chronic and is usually gets worse unless the cause is removed.
Symptoms
- A low red blood cell count (anemia) leads to fatigue and weakness.
- A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) leads to frequent or severe infections.
- A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) may result in easy bruising, nose bleeds, bleeding of the gums, and bleeding of internal organs.
- Other symptoms include Shortness of breath on exertion, rapid heart rate, and rash.
Signs and tests
- A complete blood count (CBC) shows low hematocrit and hemoglobin levels (anemia).
- The reticulocyte count is low.
- The platelet count is low.
- The white blood cell count is low.
- A bone marrow biopsy shows very few cells.
Treatment
In secondary aplastic anemia, removal of the causative agent is critical, and in some cases can lead to recovery.
Mild cases of aplastic anemia may be treated with supportive care or may require no treatment. Blood transfusions and platelet transfusions will help correct the abnormal blood counts and relieve some symptoms, in moderate cases.
Severe aplastic anemia, as evidenced by very low blood-cell counts, is a life-threatening condition. A bone marrow transplant for younger patients is indicated in a severe case of the disease. For older patients, or for those who do not have a matched bone marrow donor, antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is the alternative treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What is secondary aplastic anemia?
Secondary aplastic anemia is a failure of the bone marrow to form enough blood cells. All blood cell types are affected.
What are the risk factors for secondary aplastic anemia?
Secondary aplastic anemia results from injury to stem cells. Normal stem cells divide and differentiate into all blood cell types. Thus, when stem cells are injured, there is a reduction in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This condition can be caused by Chemotherapy, drug therapy to suppress the immune system, radiation therapy, toxins such as benzene or arsenic, drugs, pregnancy, and congenital disorders. When the cause is unknown, it is then referred to as idiopathic aplastic anemia. The disease may be acute or chronic and is usually gets worse unless the cause is removed.
What are the symptoms of secondary aplastic anemia?
- A low red blood cell count (anemia) leads to fatigue and weakness.
- A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) leads to frequent or severe infections.
- A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) may result in easy bruising, nose bleeds, bleeding of the gums, and bleeding of internal organs.
- Other symptoms include Shortness of breath on exertion, rapid heart rate, and rash.
How is secondary aplastic anemia treated?
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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