Idiopathic aplastic anemia

Alternative Names

Treatment

Mild cases of aplastic anemia are treated with supportive care. Blood transfusions and platelet transfusions help correct the abnormal blood counts and relieve some symptoms. In some cases, no treatment is required and blood counts are monitored on a regular basis.

Severe aplastic anemia, as evidenced by very low blood cell counts, is a life-threatening condition. Bone marrow transplant is indicated for severe disease in younger patients.

For older patients, or for those who do not have a matched bone marrow donor, antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is the alternative treatment. ATG is a horse serum that contains antibodies against human T cells and is used in an attempt to suppress the body's immune system, allowing the bone marrow to resume its blood cell generating function. In severe cases, ATG is often combined with another medicine to suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine A.

Other medications to suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine, may be used.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Untreated aplastic anemia is an illness that leads to rapid death. Bone marrow transplant has been successful in young people, with long term survival of 80%. Older people have a survival rate of 40 - 70%.

Possible Complications

Severe infections or bleeding may develop as a result of the disorder itself.

Complications of treatment may include graft failure or graft vs. host disease, an autoimmune disease, after bone marrow transplant. Patients can have reactions to ATG.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if bleeding occurs for no reason, or if bleeding is difficult to stop. Call if you notice frequent infections or unusual fatigue.