Aplastic Anemia: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Aplastic anemia is a condition in which your body stops producing sufficient blood cells. It can result in extreme fatigue, high risk of blood infections and uncontrolled bleeding. Slowing down or stopping of the production of blood cells can occur due to damage caused to the bone marrow. Bone marrow, that produces stem cells in the body, can get temporarily or permanently injured due to extensive radiation or chemotherapy, use of certain drugs, viral infection and exposure to toxic chemicals. Some mild cases can be treated by over the counter medications whereas severe cases may need to be treated after hospitalization. Blood transfusion or stem cell transplant are some treatments available for treating aplastic anemia.

Aplastic anaemia cannot be brought on by stress. The causes of Aplastic Anemia include the following:

• Bone marrow injury
• Self-attack by the immune system
• Chemotherapy
• Exposure to toxic substances
• Use of certain medications
• Viral infection
• Pregnancy
• Autoimmune disorders
• Radiation treatments

Aplastic Anemia can be asymptomatic. However, common early signs of Aplastic Anemia include the following:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Nosebleed and bleeding gums
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Fever
• Faster heartbeat
• Frequent infections
• Pale skin
• Skin rash
• Headache
• Bruising

Bone marrow stimulant drugs like sargramostim, filgrastim, pegfilgrastim and epoetin alfa help in stimulating the bone marrow to produce new blood cells. Generally, blood transfusions are done to control bleeding and relieve anemia symptoms. They do not really cure aplastic anemia but can provide blood cells that your bone marrow is not producing. You may have to undergo several blood transfusion sessions depending on your condition. Stem cell transplant is the only permanent treatment for people suffering from aplastic anemia. The bone marrow is rebuilt from the stem cells of a donor. Firstly, your diseased bone marrow will be depleted by radiation or chemotherapy. Healthy stem cells of the donor will then be injected intravenously into the blood stream. They migrate to the bone marrow cavities and start generating new blood cells. It is not easy to find a suitable donor. Also, in some cases your body might reject the treatment leading to life threatening situations.

Aplastic Anemia is an auto-immune disorder and the cure of this disease is quite possible with the treatment that depends upon the cause. Application of immuno-suppressive drugs, blood as well as bone marrow transplant or blood transfusions is some of the treatment ways to cure it. In addition to this, the elimination of the causative factors such as any exposure to the disease-causing toxins also serves as a way of cure.

Hematologists are the best doctor for Aplastic anemia. They are trained specialists in diagnosing and treating blood diseases and disorders. So, they can easily manage and treat the symptoms of aplastic anemia.

If you experience frequent and prolonged infections, rapid or irregular heart rate, constant dizziness, headache and fatigue, nosebleeds and bleeding gums or prolonged bleeding from cuts; you must consult a doctor and get your condition thoroughly checked.

Everybody is a candidate for stem cell transplant or can find a donor. Generally, only young people are able to go through it successfully.

Aplastic Anemia results from the destruction of stem cells present in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is responsible for the formation of blood cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Hence the presence of this condition leads to a huge reduction in the number of blood cells, which in turn becomes the basis of the development of leukemia, a serious blood disorder.

Bone marrow stimulant drugs may cause temporary redness, irritation or itching in your skin. Your body might reject stem cell transplant and result in life threatening conditions.

The drugs that you consume before and after the treatment may weaken your immune system. You must see a doctor at the very first sign of infection, such as fever. Do not ignore any such signs. Avoid outdoor activities that may result in cuts or falls. Try to maintain good hygienic conditions. Keep distance of sick people. Wash your hands regularly. Take all precautions so as not to catch any infection.

Time period of recovery depends on the severity of your condition.

Bone marrow transplant can cost between ₹2000000 - ₹3500000.

The results of the treatment may or may not be permanent. In many cases, aplastic anemia may return as soon as you stop taking the prescribed drugs.

Aplastic Anemia, as already proved, does not have any relation with diet and nutrition as far as prevention and treatment is concerned. The treatment which is mainly done by the stem-cell transplant needs to be followed by a healthy and nutritious diet which is important for the prevention of infections as well as better recovery. That includes well-cooked fish, meat, and eggs and avoidance of the foods such as raw foods, unpasteurized milk, juices, and other dairy products, etc.

There are no alternatives to this treatment.

Summary: Aplastic Anemia is an auto-immune disorder that results from the destruction of stem cells present in the bone marrow. The cure of this disease is quite possible with the treatment that totally depends upon the cause. Application of immuno-suppressive drugs, blood as well as bone marrow transplant or blood transfusions is some of the treatment ways to cure it. In addition to this, the elimination of the causative factors such as any exposure to the disease-causing toxins also serves as a way of cure.