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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.
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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.
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Definition Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors Symptoms & Signs Prevention Diagnosis & Tests Treatment Prognosis Complications Calling Your Health Care Provider
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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.
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