The etiology of aplastic anemia

Written by Li Fang Fang

Hematology

Updated on September 17, 2024

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The etiology of aplastic anemia currently has no absolute cause, but the more supported theories concerning its etiology include the soil, pest, and seed theories.

The soil theory refers to abnormalities in the microenvironment within the bone marrow, which causes an abnormal growth environment for hematopoietic stem cells, consequently limiting their growth.

The seed theory indicates a decrease in the number and quality of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, leading to bone marrow regeneration failure.

The pest theory refers to immunological factors, which play a significant role in aplastic anemia, suggesting a disorder in the patient's immune function that leads to bone marrow regeneration failure.

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Written by Li Fang Fang

Hematology

46sec

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Is aplastic anemia contagious?

Aplastic anemia is a bone marrow failure disease and is not infectious; it cannot be transmitted. Aplastic anemia is considered a hematological disorder and should be routinely diagnosed and treated in the department of hematology. It falls under the category of bone marrow failure diseases, and its main clinical manifestations are infection, anemia, and bleeding, with a complete blood count showing a decrease in all blood cells. Patients with aplastic anemia can be divided into acute aplastic anemia and chronic aplastic anemia, and there are some differences in the treatment of the two.

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Written by Li Fang Fang

Hematology

56sec

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Can aplastic anemia be cured?

Aplastic anemia is divided into acute aplastic anemia and chronic aplastic anemia. Acute aplastic anemia can be cured by intensive immunotherapy or syngeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, not all cases of acute aplastic anemia can be cured by these two treatments, with the cure rate being approximately 60%-70%. For chronic aplastic anemia, the main treatment currently is oral immunosuppressive therapy, which usually cannot cure the condition unless allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is performed. However, if patients with chronic aplastic anemia are on oral immunosuppressive therapy, they can maintain a relatively good condition and typically do not opt for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

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Written by Li Fang Fang

Hematology

41sec

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What medicine is used for aplastic anemia?

The main drugs used for aplastic anemia are immunosuppressants and cyclosporine. In addition to cyclosporine, low doses of hormones, androgens, and traditional Chinese medicine can also be used to stimulate bone marrow hematopoiesis. If the medication is effective, continue with oral administration; if ineffective, further consideration of bone marrow transplantation is needed. During the treatment process, it is necessary to regularly review the routine blood tests and, if necessary, provide support treatment with red blood cell and platelet transfusions.

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Written by Li Fang Fang

Hematology

51sec

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The etiology of aplastic anemia

The etiology of aplastic anemia currently has no absolute cause, but the more supported theories concerning its etiology include the soil, pest, and seed theories. The soil theory refers to abnormalities in the microenvironment within the bone marrow, which causes an abnormal growth environment for hematopoietic stem cells, consequently limiting their growth. The seed theory indicates a decrease in the number and quality of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, leading to bone marrow regeneration failure. The pest theory refers to immunological factors, which play a significant role in aplastic anemia, suggesting a disorder in the patient's immune function that leads to bone marrow regeneration failure.

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Written by Zhang Xiao Le

Hematology

1min 13sec

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Are the liver and kidney functions normal in patients with aplastic anemia?

Patients with aplastic anemia generally have normal liver and kidney functions. However, in certain special circumstances, abnormalities in liver and kidney functions may occur, including: Firstly, the routine treatment for aplastic anemia mainly includes the immunosuppressant cyclosporine and the hematopoietic stimulant androgens. The primary side effect of cyclosporine is renal toxicity. Therefore, during the use of cyclosporine, it is necessary to monitor the concentration of cyclosporine; excessive levels can lead to renal dysfunction. Androgens, including stanozolol and danazol, primarily cause hepatic toxicity; hence, it is necessary to monitor liver and kidney functions during treatment of aplastic anemia. The second factor that may cause liver and kidney function abnormalities is severe anemia. Long-term severe anemia can lead to tissue ischemia and hypoxia in the liver or kidneys, and if prolonged, it can cause abnormalities in liver and kidney functions. (Medication use should be carried out under the guidance of a physician.)