Aplastic Anaemia

 

Aplastic Anaemia

It is a condition characterized by failure of the bone marrow to form blood cells.

Aetiology

 

1.Toxic effects of chemicals and drugs,such as the following:-

                 .Benzol.

                 .Arsenic.

                 .Chloramphenicol.

                 .Phenol.

                 .Butazone.

                 .Gold salts.

2.Chronic infections.

3.Chronic arthritis.

4.Chronic nephritis.

5.Uraemia.

6.Excessive exposure to x-rays or electromagnetic radiation.

7.Radiotherapy.

8.Chemotherapy for malignancy.

9.Diseases of bone in which the function of the bone marrow is altered.

10.Osseous metastases of any cancer.

11.Leukemia

 

Clinical features

1.Severe anaemia.

2.Leukopenia:Repeated infections.

3.Thrombocytopenia:Bleeding disorders.

 

Investigations

1.Haemogram:Low Hb,leukopenia,thrombocytopenia.

2.Bone marrow biopsy: Aplastic bone marrow.

 

Treatment

1.Blood transfusions.

2.White blood cell transfusions.

3.Platelet transfusions.

4.Removal of the cause of aplastic anaemia.

5.Await spontaneous recovery of the bone marrow.