|
|
Idiopathic Aplastic Anemia
Alternate Names : Anemia - Idiopathic Aplastic
Definition Idiopathic aplastic anemia is a failure of the bone marrow to properly form all types of blood cells.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Idiopathic aplastic anemia is a condition that results from injury to the stem cell, a cell that gives rise to other cell types after it divides. Consequently, there is a reduction in all cell types -- red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets -- with this type of anemia, which is called pancytopenia.
The cause of idiopathic aplastic anemia is unknown, but is thought to be an autoimmune process (the body reacting against its own cells). Causes of other types of aplastic anemia may be chemotherapy, radiation therapy, toxins, drugs, pregnancy, congenital disorder, or systemic lupus erythematosus.
Symptoms arise as the consequence of bone marrow failure. Llow red blood cell count (anemia) leads to fatigue and weakness. Low white blood cell count (leukopenia) causes an increased risk of infection. Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) results in bleeding, especially of mucus membranes and skin.
The disease may be acute or chronic, and is almost always progressive. Risk factors are unknown.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Seniors Having More Sex Than Ever - Jul 09, 2008, 09:00
Study finds big jump in number of those over 70 who are 'doing it' | • | Men Often Not Told of Severity of Wife's Cancer - Jul 09, 2008, 09:00
Study finds almost 40% say docs never said condition was terminal until near death. | • | Gene Activity May Explain Deadlier Breast Cancers Among Younger Women - Jul 09, 2008, 09:00
Study finds more than 350 common sets of genes in patients under 45. | • | Breast-Conserving Surgery Leaves Many Cancer Patients Disappointed - Jul 09, 2008, 09:00
Poor aesthetic outcome after lumpectomy linked to depression, fear, study finds. | • | A Blood Marker Could Spot Diabetes Risk - Jul 08, 2008, 16:00
Higher levels of fetuin-A were linked to later disease development, study found
. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Anemia
• Hemolytic Anemia
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Thrombocytopenia
Tests & Exams
• Bone Marrow Biopsy
• Platelet Count
• RBC Count
• Reticulocyte Count
• WBC Count
Surgery & Procedures
• Bone Marrow Transplant
Other Topics
• Acute
• Antibody
• Bleeding
• Bleeding Gums
• Bleeding Into the Skin
• Breathing Difficulty
• Chemotherapy
• Chronic
• Fatigue
• Nosebleed Injury
• Paleness
• Pulse - Bounding
• Radiation Therapy
• Toxins
Review Date : 4/25/2003
Reviewed By : Ezra E. W. Cohen, M.D., Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|
