Aplastic Anemia

• Pathophysiology:

  • Results from impairment or failure of bone marrow, leading to loss of stem cells and pancytopenia, which is decreased numbers of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets in the blood
• Etiologies:

  • Idiopathic
  • Myelotoxins, such as radiation, industrial chemicals and drugs
  • Viruses, particularly hepatitis C
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Genetic abnormalities
• Clinical Manifestations:

  • Anemia (pallor, weakness, and dyspnea)
  • Leukopenia, such as recurrent or multiple infections
  • Thrombocytopenia petechiae - flat, red, pinpoint hemorrhages on the skin and a tendency to bleed excessively, particularly in the mouth