Loading…
Loading…
A life-threatening marrow failure that needs urgent specialist care
Aplastic anaemia is a bone marrow failure disorder causing pancytopenia due to immune-mediated destruction of haematopoietic stem cells. Diagnosis requires marrow hypocellularity and exclusion of other causes. Treatment includes supportive care, immunosuppressive therapy and allogeneic transplant, selected by age, severity and donor availability.
Haematology & Haemato-Oncology
Authored and reviewed by Dr. Sachita Baniya (MBBS, FCPS (Clinical Haematology), NMC 20158). Evidence-based, no fabricated outcomes.
Aplastic anaemia is a bone marrow failure disorder causing pancytopenia due to immune-mediated destruction of haematopoietic stem cells. Diagnosis requires marrow hypocellularity and exclusion of other causes. Treatment includes supportive care, immunosuppressive therapy and allogeneic transplant, selected by age, severity and donor availability.
Reviewed by Dr. Sachita Baniya, MBBS, FCPS — Consultant Haemato-Oncologist & Clinical Hematologist (NMC 20158). For evaluation, contact the respective hospital or cancer centre — Kathmandu Cancer Center (KCC) Nepal, Civil Service Hospital Kathmandu, or Advanced Care Hospital.
Aplastic anaemia is suspected with pancytopenia and a hypocellular marrow. Bone marrow biopsy, cytogenetics, flow cytometry and a thorough exclusion of inherited marrow failure, myelodysplasia and other causes are required. Severity is classified by blood count criteria, and a matched sibling donor search begins early.
Supportive care includes transfusion, infection prevention and prompt treatment of febrile neutropenia. Younger patients with a matched sibling donor may proceed to allogeneic transplant. Others may receive immunosuppressive therapy with antithymocyte globulin and ciclosporin, with eltrombopag in selected cases. Response can take months, and relapse or clonal evolution requires long-term surveillance.
Guidelines referenced:
British Society for Haematology guidelines — Aplastic AnaemiaNCCN Guidelines — Bone Marrow Failure SyndromesEBMT/ESH handbook on haematopoietic stem cell transplantationContent on this website is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. In case of a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately. No doctor–patient relationship is established by use of this site or by contacting the clinic through the site.