Description
Aplastic Anemia is a disease of the Bone Marrow and Blood stem cells.
When the bone marrow fails to produce Red Blood cells, White Blood Cells and Platelets, the condition is known as Aplastic Anemia.
Bone Marrow is a soft, flexible spongy tissue that is present at the center of the Bones. Normally, there is a continuous production of stem cells in the bone marrow. The bone marrow contains 30 to 70% stem cells in it. But, in a person with Aplastic Anemia stem cells are replaced by fat.
Stem Cells are differentiated as Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells and Platelets.
Red Blood Cells ( RBC or Erythrocytes ) : They are produced in the bone marrow and form 40% of Blood. They contain Hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a red colored protein that gives red color to the Blood. Red Blood Cells circulate thoroughly throughout the body. They combine with both, oxygen and carbon dioxide. When we breath in, the hemoglobin combines with oxygen and forms oxyhemoglobin. Red Blood Cells provide oxygen to all parts of the body. Apart from this they are responsible for exhaling Carbon dioxide and other gases from the body. In short the Red Blood Cells are an important part of the body. If there is less production of RBCs the body organs will not get sufficient oxygen. The organs may die due to lack of oxygen. Hence it may cause life threatening disorders.
White Blood Cells ( WBC or Leukocytes ) : They are considered as a part of the Immune System. They fight against the foreign bodies and protect the body from Infections. A deficiency of White Blood Cells may cause the Immune system to go weak. This results in frequent illness.
Platelets ( Thrombocytes ) : They are important due to their coagulation factor. When we get some cut on the skin, Platelets combine with each other and block the blood vessels to prevent blood loss. If there is a deficiency of Platelets, it may cause further complications.
All three types of blood cells are very important and perform various functions. Their deficiency results in Aplastic Anemia and may cause life threatening problems.
Causes of Aplastic Anemia
Chemotherapy
Viral Infections
Autoimmune Disorders
Exposure to chemicals
Malfunctioning of Bone Marrow
Injury to the Blood stem cells
If it is not treated properly, Aplastic Anemia may cause
Death
Permanent damage of Organs
Note : Do not get confused with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Anemia. With Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) the function of bone marrow is impaired. It produces defective blood cells that get damaged soon.
In Anemia only Red Blood Cells are deficient. Where as in Aplastic Anemia all three types of blood cells are deficient.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Anemia are dealt with separately on this portal.