BONE MARROW FAILURE WITH REDUCED BLOOD CELL PRODUCTION
Aplastic Anaemia
A rare condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells, leading to anaemia, infections and bleeding. Managed with specialist haematology care.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Aplastic Anaemia
Aplastic anaemia is a rare but serious condition in which the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells — red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets — leading to anaemia, increased risk of infections and bleeding tendencies. The condition can be inherited or acquired. Acquired cases may be due to autoimmune destruction of bone marrow stem cells, certain medications, chemotherapy or radiation, exposure to toxins such as benzene, viral infections such as hepatitis or, in many cases, an unknown cause (idiopathic). Typical features include severe tiredness, pallor, breathlessness (from anaemia), frequent or severe infections (from low white blood cell count), and easy bruising, bleeding from gums, nosebleeds or prolonged bleeding from cuts (from low platelets). Diagnosis is confirmed with blood tests showing low cell counts and bone marrow biopsy showing reduced cellularity. Treatment depends on the severity and cause and may include supportive care with transfusions and infection prevention, immune-modifying therapy, and bone marrow transplantation. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides initial evaluation and co-management with haematology at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Autoimmune destruction of bone marrow stem cells (most common)
- Certain medications and toxic exposures
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Exposure to benzene and other industrial chemicals
- Viral infections such as hepatitis
- Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes
- Often no identifiable cause is found
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Complete blood count showing low counts of all cell lines; bone marrow biopsy showing reduced cellularity
Non-severe · Severe · Very severe — based on blood counts
Supportive care, immune-modifying therapy and bone marrow transplantation
Haematology co-management is essential
Critical due to low white blood cell counts
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad — co-managed with haematology
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Specialist Haematology Care with Targeted Therapy
The most effective approach is urgent specialist haematology evaluation, supportive care with transfusions and infection prevention, immune-modifying therapy in many patients, and bone marrow transplantation evaluation in younger patients with severe disease and a suitable donor.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms and possible causes, examines the patient and arranges blood tests with urgent haematology referral for bone marrow biopsy.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created in coordination with haematology based on severity, age, cause and donor availability.
- 3
Medical Management
Supportive care with transfusions, infection prevention and treatment, immune-modifying therapy and bone marrow transplantation evaluation.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Long-term follow-up with haematology including monitoring of blood counts and management of complications.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Supportive Care with Transfusions
Red blood cell and platelet transfusions support patients while definitive treatment is arranged.
Infection Prevention and Treatment
Strict infection prevention measures, prompt evaluation of fever and aggressive treatment of infections are essential.
Immune-Modifying Therapy (Referral for haematology)
Immune-modifying therapy that suppresses the autoimmune attack on bone marrow is effective in many patients, given under specialist care.
Bone Marrow Transplantation in Selected Patients (Referral for haematology / transplant evaluation)
Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation can be curative, particularly in younger patients with severe disease and a matched donor.
Withdrawal of Causative Agents
Identifying and stopping any medications or exposures that may be contributing is essential.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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