Causes and risk factors
Aplastic anaemia can be of two types namely – primary /acquired/idiopathic or secondary. Cause of primary aplastic anaemia is genetic. Exposure to chemicals, cytotoxic drugs, antibiotics like chloramphenicol, antithyroid drugs, anticonvulsants, radiation, infection like parvovirus infection, viral hepatitis, pregnancy are some of the predisposing factors for Secondary aplastic anaemia
Clinical presentation
Symptoms of anaemia like headache, dizziness, malaise, pallor, palpitations, irregular heart rate, fatigue on least exertion, shortness of breath, unexplained haemorrhages, petechiae, easy bruising, and repeated infections.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Tests such as bone marrow biopsy, blood tests like CBC, LFT, renal function tests, thyroid function test, serum electrolytes, serum B12, folic acid, help in diagnosis of aplastic anaemia.
Treatment
Blood transfusion to correct anaemia. Medical treatment such as antithymocyte globulin [ATG] with cyclosporine, chemotherapy, antibody therapy, immunosuppressant therapy in case of autoimmune aplastic anaemia. Bone marrow stem cell transplant is the line of treatment for severe cases. Antibiotic and symptomatic treatment should be given where underlying cause is known.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating aplastic anaemia. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating aplastic anaemia.
Recent updates
Eltrombopag is a new medication developed which is used to treat aplastic anaemia.
