Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow slows down or stops the production of red and white blood cells and platelets. This can cause an increased risk of infection and symptoms of chronic fatigue and increased bleeding. The cause of this remains unknown in some patients but has been linked to toxins and infectious diseases.

Aplastic anemia can only be confirmed by a bone marrow biopsy in which a sample is taken from the pelvic bone. There are two commonly used treatment methods which involve immune suppressive therapy or a bone marrow transplant. While aplastic anemia was once deemed fatal, it is now manageable and even treatable for some patients.

November 2007
Sources: Health Day and Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation

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