Unit 17 - Bone marrow failure Flashcards
What is aplastic anemia?
A bone marrow failure syndrome caused by damaged or destroyed stem cells
Does BM failure cause pancytopenia?
Yes
Are most cases of aplastic anemia acquired or inherited?
80% to 85% acquired
What are the three examples of inherited aplastic anemia?
Fanconi anemia, Dyskeratosis congenita, and Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond syndrome
What is the acquired pure red cell aplasia disease called?
Diamond Blackfan anemia
What is the term to describe the bone marrow in patients with aplastic anemia?
Hypocellular
Are most acquired aplastic anemias idiopathic or secondary?
70% idiopathic
What are the common age ranges for patients with acquired aplastic anemia?
Ages 15-25 and older than 60
How do we classify aplastic anemia when the BM does not recover after withdrawal of the toxic agent?
Idiosyncratic - dose independent
What viruses can cause secondary acquired aplastic anemia?
EBV, Hepatitis and HIV
What is PNH?
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
What happens to the growth factors, EPO, TPO, and CSF during aplastic anemia?
They are increased
What is a possible treatment for people with aplastic anemia? Who is excluded from this treatment?
Immunosuppressive medication, this does not work for patients who have issues with shortening of telomeres
What fraction of patients with aplastic anemia have shortened telomeres?
1/3
What do telomeres do?
Protect the ends of the chromosomes
What happens to retics in aplastic anemia?
They are decreased - the bone marrow is failing to produce cells, even immature cells
What happens to the MCV in a patient with aplastic anemia?
The MCV is normal or increased
Is there hepatosplenomegaly as a symptom of aplastic anemia?
Nope
Is there poikilocytosis as a result of aplastic anemia
Nope again
What does the decrease in RBCs in aplastic anemia usually cause?
Pallor, fatigue and shortness of breath
What does the decrease in WBCs in aplastic anemia usually cause for the patient?
Reoccurring infections
What does the low platelet count usually cause as a result of aplastic anemia?
Bleeding and bruising
What is the most common inherited aplastic anemia?
Fanconi anemia