aplastic anaemia
aplastic anaemia
Aplastic anaemia is a very rare but serious bone marrow condition that leads to low blood counts. Each year, it affects around 2 people in every 1 million in Scotland.
What is aplastic anaemia?
Bone marrow sits inside your bones and is where blood cells are made. If you have aplastic anaemia, your bone marrow stops making blood cells the way it should. Production can slow down or stop completely, so the body no longer has enough blood cells.
There are 3 types of blood cells, and each one has its own job. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. White blood cells help fight infections and germs. Platelets help stop bleeding and bruising.
The Aplastic Anaemia Trust explains what aplastic anaemia is, and you can find further information there.
Types of aplastic anaemia
Aplastic anaemia can be very severe, severe, or not severe. Doctors measure the level of blood cells in your body to judge how severe your condition is. Generally, the fewer blood cells you have, the more severe the aplastic anaemia is likely to be.
Common misunderstandings about aplastic anaemia
When people say anaemia, they usually mean iron deficiency anaemia, but aplastic anaemia is a different, more serious bone marrow condition.
Aplastic anaemia is not a blood cancer, though some treatments can look similar. For instance, you may need hospital care, blood transfusions, medication given through a drip, or a bone marrow transplant.
Because of this, patients with aplastic anaemia may need to protect themselves from infections in much the same way as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
What causes aplastic anaemia?
In most cases, the cause of aplastic anaemia is not known. It’s seen as an unusual immune disorder, because the immune system attacks the bone marrow.
Healthcare professionals will investigate to see if there’s any underlying cause for your aplastic anaemia. For example, they’ll investigate if it could be caused by:
- medication
- an infection – including viral infections or hepatitis
- an autoimmune condition
- an inherited condition
Inherited conditions
For some people, aplastic anaemia is associated with an inherited condition. This means it runs in families.
Inherited conditions that can cause aplastic anaemia include:
- Fanconi Anaemia
- Dyskeratosis Congenita
- Shwachman Diamond Syndrome
You may need to have a genetic test to rule out some of these causes.
Who’s most at risk of aplastic anaemia?
Aplastic anaemia can affect anyone at any age. However, it’s most common in those aged 10 to 20 years old, and those aged over 60.
The Aplastic Anaemia Trust has further information on aplastic anaemia in children and young people.
Sometimes aplastic anaemia can also be associated with another rare condition called Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria (PNH).
Risks of severe aplastic anaemia
If you have aplastic anaemia and a low white blood count, you’re at a higher risk of severe infections. This means you should get medical help quickly if you become unwell.
People with aplastic anaemia who have a low platelet count are also at a higher risk of bruising and bleeding.
Diagnosis
Aplastic anaemia is a rare cause of a low blood count. If you have symptoms of a low blood count, your doctors will need to run several tests to rule out other, more common causes and pin down the exact reason.
Most patients with a low blood count will need:
- blood tests
- bone marrow investigations
Some people may also need:
- X-rays and other scans
- genetic testing
If you are found to have aplastic anaemia, you will need further tests to see how severe it is.
Healthcare professionals will also check whether you have enough vitamin B12 and folate to make blood cells, as this helps rule out other reasons for your symptoms.
Talking to healthcare professionals
It is important that you understand what is happening with your care. This can help you feel more prepared for any treatment you may need.
When you have a hospital appointment, it can help to bring someone along who can support you or take notes. You could also write down your questions beforehand and bring them with you.
The Aplastic Anaemia Trust jargon buster can also help if there are medical words or phrases that confuse you or make you feel uncomfortable.
Do not hesitate to ask your healthcare team about anything you are unsure of.
Get more advice about speaking to healthcare professionals
Treatment
Treatment for aplastic anaemia
If you have aplastic anaemia, your treatment will usually be managed by haematologists. They are specialist blood doctors.
Treatments will be tailored to your individual needs and can vary depending on:
- how severe your aplastic anaemia is
- your age
- your general health
- if you have any underlying health conditions
Research on treatments for aplastic anaemia is ongoing.
Further information on aplastic anaemia treatments
Complications
Living with aplastic anaemia
There’s a lot of uncertainty and unpredictability surrounding aplastic anaemia. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, it can affect many different parts of your life.
The Aplastic Anaemia Trust has lots of information and support for people with aplastic anaemia, and those close to them.
The Aplastic Anaemia Trust offers services including:
- a support line – whether you’ve been diagnosed with aplastic anaemia or just have questions about it, you can use the support line to talk to someone
- events online or in person – there are various events across Scotland and the UK where you can meet other people affected by aplastic anaemia
- Patient Support Facebook Group – if you have a Facebook account, people with aplastic anaemia and their families can use it to connect with people who have experience of the condition
Find out more about living with aplastic anaemia
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