Aplastic anemia

Definite diagnosis of a chronic persistent bone marrow failure, confirmed by biopsy, which results in anem ia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia requiring blood product transfusion, and treatment with at least one of the following:

• marrow stimulating agents;
• immunosuppressive agents;
• bone marrow transplantation.

The diagnosis of aplastic anemia must be made by a specialist.

Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow stops producing enough red and white blood cells and platelets.

Anemia consists of decreased hemoglobin levels or number of red blood cells, which carry hemoglobin and oxygen throughout the body.

Neutropenia consists in a decrease in the number of white blood cells, which help fight infection.

Thrombocytopenia is a decrease in the number of blood platelets, which aids coagulation.