Aplastic Anaemia Flashcards
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What is aplastic anemia?
Aplastic anemia is a rare condition where the bone marrow fails to produce sufficient blood cells.
What are the main types of blood cells affected in aplastic anemia?
Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
What are the common symptoms of aplastic anemia?
Fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising, bleeding gums, and shortness of breath.
What are the common causes of aplastic anemia?
Autoimmune disorders, exposure to toxins, certain medications, infections like hepatitis, and genetic conditions.
What is the role of bone marrow in aplastic anemia?
Bone marrow is responsible for producing blood cells, and in aplastic anemia, it becomes damaged or suppressed.
Which diagnostic tests are used to confirm aplastic anemia?
Complete blood count (CBC), bone marrow biopsy, and reticulocyte count.
What is the hallmark finding in a bone marrow biopsy for aplastic anemia?
Hypocellular bone marrow with fatty replacement.
What is the first-line treatment for severe aplastic anemia in young patients?
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
What is the preferred treatment for aplastic anemia in patients who are not candidates for transplantation?
Immunosuppressive therapy, such as antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporine.
What supportive care measures are used in aplastic anemia?
Blood transfusions, infection prevention, and management of bleeding risks.
What is the prognosis for untreated severe aplastic anemia?
Poor prognosis, with high risk of death due to infections or bleeding.
How does aplastic anemia differ from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)?
Aplastic anemia involves bone marrow failure without dysplasia, while MDS shows dysplastic changes in marrow cells.
What are the complications of aplastic anemia?
Infections, bleeding, iron overload from transfusions, and progression to leukemia.
Which viral infections are associated with aplastic anemia?
Hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and parvovirus B19.
What is the role of eltrombopag in aplastic anemia treatment?
Eltrombopag is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist used to stimulate blood cell production in refractory cases.
What genetic condition is strongly associated with aplastic anemia?
Fanconi anemia, a rare inherited disorder leading to bone marrow failure.
What is the role of HLA typing in aplastic anemia?
HLA typing is used to find a suitable donor for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Which environmental exposures are risk factors for aplastic anemia?
Benzene, radiation, and pesticides are known risk factors.
How does pregnancy relate to aplastic anemia?
Aplastic anemia can rarely occur in pregnancy due to immune-mediated mechanisms.
What is the pathophysiology of aplastic anemia?
Immune-mediated destruction of hematopoietic stem cells or direct injury to the bone marrow.
What is the difference between inherited and acquired aplastic anemia?
Inherited aplastic anemia is due to genetic conditions like Fanconi anemia, while acquired cases are triggered by external factors or autoimmune mechanisms.
What is a common finding in the peripheral blood smear of a patient with aplastic anemia?
Pancytopenia with no abnormal cells.
Why is iron overload a concern in patients with aplastic anemia?
Repeated blood transfusions can lead to excess iron, which damages organs like the liver and heart.
What role do corticosteroids play in the management of aplastic anemia?
Corticosteroids are sometimes used to manage serum sickness related to ATG therapy.
What laboratory test can help differentiate aplastic anemia from pure red cell aplasia?
Reticulocyte count; pure red cell aplasia affects only red cells, while aplastic anemia affects all lineages.
What is the most common cause of death in patients with aplastic anemia?
Infections due to neutropenia.
What are the indications for starting growth factors like G-CSF in aplastic anemia?
G-CSF is used to increase neutrophil count in certain cases, especially when there are recurrent infections.
What is the typical age distribution of aplastic anemia?
It has a bimodal distribution, commonly affecting teenagers/young adults and those over 60.
What are some common differential diagnoses of aplastic anemia?
Myelodysplastic syndrome, leukemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), and vitamin B12/folate deficiency.
How is paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) linked to aplastic anemia?
PNH can coexist with aplastic anemia, as both involve bone marrow failure and immune dysfunction.
