Aplastic Anemias Aplastic anemia is a rare disease, caused by a decrease in the number of blood cells produced due to bone marrow failure. Symptoms of aplastic anemia include prolonged bleeding and the frequent appearance of bruises due to decreased platelets, pale skin color and fatigue from decreased hemoglobin, and increased number and severity of infections due to a low white blood cell count. The differential white blood count shows a decrease in all types of cells (pancytopenia). A bone marrow aspiration will show a decrease in the number of mature cells. Treatment depends on the cause. Blood transfusions and a bone marrow transplant may be needed in severe cases.
This article was last reviewed on December 18, 2004.
This article was last modified on April 8, 2009.
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