Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia is a condition in which the body’s bone marrow is unable to generate sufficient levels of all three types of blood cells: red blood cells; white blood cells and platelets. The word “aplastic” describes the malfunction in the bone marrow that causes the lack of sufficient blood cell production, and the word “anemia” describes the actual condition of inadequate blood cell production. Many people may associate an anemic condition with low red blood cell levels, but with aplastic anemia, patients suffer from a low blood cell count in general.
Aplastic anemia was the first medical condition linked directly to benzene exposure. In 1897, when the association was discovered, aplastic anemia usually resulted in a sudden and painful death for most of its victims. Today, the prognosis is much better, especially for patients whose disease is detected early. Where aplastic anemia is severe, however, the condition unfortunately can lead to development of leukemia.
Symptoms
Although every person is different, many of the common symptoms associated with aplastic anemia include the following:
• Frequent infection
• Fever
• Bruising
• Blood hemorrhage
• Pale skin
• Fatigue
The symptoms can be quite varied given that aplastic anemia affects the production of all three types of blood cells. Fever and infection are more likely because of the reduced number of white blood cells to combat viruses. The higher risk of blood hemorrhage and bruising is due to the low platelet counts, since platelets promote blood coagulation. And the reduced red blood cell count accounts for symptoms of fatigue, malaise and very pale skin. For some patients, the fatigue is so overwhelming that they cannot safely perform routine tasks.
Diagnosis
Aplastic anemia can be more difficult to diagnose than other bone marrow diseases, such as acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), for example. Several blood tests that are useful in reaching a diagnosis of other blood marrow disorders are also commonly performed when aplastic anemia is suspected: full blood count; renal function; thyroid function; vitamin B12; and, folic acid levels. But with aplastic anemia, these blood tests can only assist in ruling out leukemia cancers; the tests cannot confirm a diagnosis of the disease. Aplastic anemia can only be definitively diagnosed with a bone marrow biopsy. The biopsy will show inadequate levels of all three types of normal blood cells in the bone marrow. A hematologist – a physician who specializes in blood diseases – will review the bone marrow biopsy and confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Most treatments for aplastic anemia attempt to bolster blood cell levels, and include the following:
Blood transfusions. Blood transfusions are often performed on aplastic anemia sufferers in an effort to increase red blood cell levels.
Platelet transfusions. When a person is experiencing chronic bleeding, doctors may attempt to prevent a fatal hemorrhage by transfusing platelets from a compatible donor to the aplastic anemia patient.
Antibiotic therapies. Antibiotics may help to bolster an immune system weakened by a lowered white blood cell count, thus providing relief for a patient with a chronic fever or infection.
Bone Marrow Transplant. In cases of severe aplastic anemia, many doctors are recommending bone marrow transplants for younger patients in otherwise good health. Still, the procedure carries serious risk and is not effective for every patient.
If you have been diagnosed with aplastic anemia and you suspect that it may be related to benzene exposure, please contact us for a free consultation. You should know your legal rights