Aplastic Anemia

Overview

Aplastic anemia is a serious bone marrow failure disorder in which the bone marrow no longer produces enough new blood cells. This results in low red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, a condition called pancytopenia. The shortage of these cells causes fatigue, higher infection risk, and easy bleeding. Aplastic anemia can develop suddenly or gradually and may be mild, moderate, or severe.

Causes

The most common cause is an autoimmune reaction in which the body mistakenly attacks its own bone marrow.

Other causes include:

Viral infections such as parvovirus

Radiation exposure

Toxins (e.g., benzene, pesticides)

Certain medications, including some chemotherapy drugs

Chemotherapy or radiation treatments

Viral infections such as hepatitis, HIV, Epstein-Barr virus

Autoimmune diseases like lupus

Inherited bone marrow failure disorders (e.g., Fanconi anemia)

Symptoms

Symptoms vary and may come on slowly or suddenly. They result from low blood cell counts:

Low Red Blood Cells (Anemia)

Fatigue and weakness
Pale skin
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or rapid heart rate

Low White Blood Cells (Leukopenia)

Frequent or prolonged infections
Fever

Low Platelets (Thrombocytopenia)

Easy bruising
Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
Prolonged bleeding from small cuts

Some people may have no symptoms early on.

How We Diagnose It

Diagnosis requires a combination of evaluation and testing:

Initial Evaluation

Medical history and physical exam
Blood tests looking for low counts across all cell lines

Bone Marrow Aspiration & Biopsy

Diagnosis is confirmed by examining a bone marrow sample, which shows a marked decrease in stem cells and low overall cellularity. That bone marrow biopsy is essential for establishing severity and ruling out other bone marrow disorders.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on age, severity, and overall health.

Blood transfusions (red blood cells, platelets) to temporarily raise counts
Infection management

The only potential cure, especially for younger patients with a matched donor.

For patients who are not transplant candidates, treatment may include:

Antithymocyte globulin (ATG)
Cyclosporine or calcineurin inhibitors
Additional therapies like eltrombopag to stimulate blood cell production

If linked to medications, toxins, or infections, addressing those factors may help recovery.

Living With Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia can be chronic or relapse after treatment.

Patients benefit from:

Regular monitoring of blood counts

Prompt evaluation of fevers or bleeding

Avoiding exposure to infections

A care team that includes hematology expertise

With appropriate treatment, many patients achieve remission or long‑term disease control.

When To See Your Provider

Seek care immediately if you experience:

Fever or signs of infection

Bleeding that doesn’t stop

New or unexplained bruising

Worsening fatigue or shortness of breath

Why Choose Illinois CancerCare

A blood disorder diagnosis can feel overwhelming. At Illinois CancerCare, we are committed to ensuring you never have to face it alone. Providing advanced, comprehensive hematology and oncology care for our patients is at the heart of everything we do. Since 1977, our specialists have focused on individualized, evidence-based treatment plans, access to world-class clinical trials, and thorough follow-up. With Illinois CancerCare, you can move forward with confidence knowing trusted expertise and compassionate support are always close to home.‑based treatment plans, access to world‑class clinical trials, and thorough follow‑up.

Sources & Patient Friendly References

Information sourced from Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins Medicine