Aplastic Anaemia

Aplastic anaemia is a rare but serious blood disorder in which the bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This condition results in pancytopenia, making the body less able to transport oxygen, fight infections, and control bleeding. Aplastic anaemia may develop due to autoimmune diseases, certain medications, chemotherapy, radiation exposure, viral infections, toxic chemicals, or inherited genetic conditions. However, in many cases, the exact cause remains unknown.

Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, frequent infections, fever, easy bruising, prolonged bleeding, nosebleeds, and tiny red spots on the skin known as petechiae. Diagnosis involves complete blood count (CBC), reticulocyte count, bone marrow biopsy, and additional laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the patient's overall health. Mild cases may require regular monitoring, while severe aplastic anaemia often needs blood transfusions, immunosuppressive therapy, growth factor medications, or bone marrow (stem cell) transplantation. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly improve outcomes and quality of life. Regular follow-up with a hematologist is essential to monitor recovery, prevent complications, and manage long-term health effectively.