Aplastic anemia history and symptoms

Aplastic anemia Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Aplastic anemia from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Aplastic anemia history and symptoms On the Web
Most recent articles
cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Aplastic anemia history and symptoms All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Aplastic anemia history and symptoms
CDC on Aplastic anemia history and symptoms
Aplastic anemia history and symptoms in the news
Blogs on Aplastic anemia history and symptoms
Directions to Hospitals Treating Aplastic anemia
Risk calculators and risk factors for Aplastic anemia history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.D. [2] Nazia Fuad M.D.

Overview

Aplastic anemia is seen as a result of hypoplastic bone marrow causing pancytopenia (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia). The history and symptoms seen are secondary to these abnormalities.

History

The hallmark of aplastic anemia is past history of anemia (shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, or other signs and symptoms of anemia), exposure to certain toxins or medicines, radiation or chemotherapy, infections or signs of infections, such as fever, bruises or tendency to bleed easily. Family history of anemia or other blood disorders should also be sought.

Symptoms

Decrease numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets cause most of the signs and symptoms of aplastic anemia.

Red Blood Cells

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Coldness in hands or feet
• Pale skin
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeats
• symptoms suggestive of heart failure (edema, abdominal distension)

White Blood Cells

• Fever
• Frequent infections
• Flu-like illnesses

Platelets

• Bruises
• Epistaxis,
• Mucosal bleeding
• Pinpoint red spots on the skin, blood, in the stool
• Menorrhagia

Other Symptoms

Aplastic anemia can cause signs and symptoms that aren't directly related to low blood cell counts. Examples include

• Nausea.
• Skin rashes.

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

• Some people who have aplastic anemia have a red blood cell disorder called paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, or PNH. Most people who have PNH don't have any signs or symptoms.

If symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Swelling or pain in the abdomen or swelling in the legs caused by blood clots
• Blood in the urine
• Headaches
• Jaundice

In people who have aplastic anemia and PNH, either condition can develop first.

Diagnosis and management of aplastic anemia (DONOT EDIT)

“

Diagnosis and Evaluation of aplastic anemia Careful history and clinical examination Detailed drug and occupational exposure history Patients presenting with aplastic anaemia should be assessed to: Confirm the diagnosis and exclude other possible causes of pancytopenia with hypocellular bone marrow Classify the disease severity using standard blood and bone marrow criteria Document the presence of associated paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) and cytogenetic clones Exclude a possible late onset inherited bone marrow failure disorder Multidisciplinary approach Referral to specialist if necessary

”