Aplastic Anemia (AA)

Also known as: Bone marrow failure, acquired aplastic anemia.

What is aplastic anemia?

When the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough blood cells, this condition is known as aplastic anemia. Depending on how many cells and which ones the marrow actually produces, the condition can range from being mild to life-threatening.

What causes aplastic anemia?

The cause of aplastic anemia isn’t entirely clear. It occurs when the stem cells of bone marrow that are supposed to produce the blood cells are damaged. This may be due to an inherited condition passed down from the parents or it can develop for unknown reasons.

What are the symptoms of aplastic anemia?

Symptoms of aplastic anemia can range from mild to severe. They might include bleeding, skin rash, infections, pallor, shortness of breath, an enlarged heart or even life-threatening complications.

What are aplastic anemia care options?

Aplastic anemia can often be treated with blood transfusions. It can also be successfully treated and even cured with a combination of medicines, or with marrow or blood stem cell transplantation.


Reviewed by: Kamar Godder, MD

This page was last updated on: February 03, 2022 10:59 AM

Pediatric Blood & Bone Marrow Transplant Center

South Florida's first and most experienced care provider for children requiring blood or bone marrow transplantation.

Learn More