Aplastic Anemia


The Basics

Aplastic anemia can be moderate, severe or very severe. People with severe or very severe aplastic anemia are at risk for life-threatening infections or bleeding. With prompt and proper care, most people who have aplastic anemia can be successfully treated. The only cure for aplastic anemia is a bone marrow transplant.

Aplastic anemia can strike at any age regardless of race or gender. However, it is diagnosed more often in children, young adults and older adults. It also appears more often in Asian-Americans. Each year, between 600 and 900 people in the U.S. learn that they have aplastic anemia.

Blood Formation


What are the 3 Basic Types of Blood Cells?


How are Blood Cells Formed?


What is Bone Marrow Failure?


Impact of Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia is caused by the destruction of blood-forming stem cells in your bone marrow. These stem cells normally develop into three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The symptoms of aplastic anemia vary depending on how severe it is and how low blood counts are. Some typical symptoms include:

  • Feeling tired and out of breath after only a little exercise
  • The tendency to bruise and bleed easily
  • Bleeding that won’t stop
  • Infections and an associated fever