Secondary aplastic anemia is a failure of the blood-cell forming capacity of the bone marrow that affects all blood-cell types.
Causes of Bone Marrow Suppression
Secondary aplastic anemia is a condition that is a result of injury to the stem cell, a cell that gives rise to other blood cell types when it divides and differentiates. Consequently, there is a reduction in all types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets (which is called pancytopenia). Causes of secondary aplastic anemia include chemotherapy, drug therapy to suppress the immune system, radiation therapy, toxins such as benzene or arsenic, drugs, pregnancy, and congenital disorders. When the cause is unknown, it is then referred to as idiopathic aplastic anemia.
Signs and Symptoms of Bone Marrow Suppression
Symptoms arise as a consequence of bone-marrow failure. Anemia (a low red blood cell count) leads to fatigue and weakness. A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) causes an increased risk of infection. A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) may result in bleeding of the mucus membranes, internal organs, and skin. The disease may be acute or chronic and is usually progressive unless the causative agent is removed.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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