Aplastic Anemia

• Aplastic Anemia 


  Is a disorder characterized by bone marrow hypoplasia or aplasia resulting in pancytopenia (decreased RBC, WBC, and platelets)
• Aplastic Anemia: Clinical Manifestations

  From anemia: pallor, weakness, fatigue, dyspnea, palpitations

  From infections associated with neutropenia: fever, headache, malaise

  From thrombocytopenia: bleeding from gums, nose, purpura, petechiae, ecchymoses
• Aplastic Anemia: Management

  Cure: Bone marrow transplantation

  Drug: Cyclosporine - preferred immunosuppressant

  Blood transfusion: indicated only if Hgb <7 mg/dL

  Bleeding and Infection precautions
• Aplastic Anemia: Nursing Interventions

  To minimize risk of infection:

  • reverse isolation; provide private room; strict handwashing
  • neutropenic diet
  • limit visitors
  • avoid crowds
• Aplastic Anemia: Nursing Interventions

  To minimize risk of bleeding:

  • soft toothbrush; electric razor for shaving; keep nails short by filing
  • avoid IM injections