Aplastic anemia

Aplastic anemia is a condition where the bone marrow does not produce enough, or any, new cells to replenish the blood cells. One known cause is an autoimmune disorder, where the white blood cells attack the bone marrow. In many cases, the etiology is impossible to determine, but aplastic anemia is sometimes associated with exposure to substances such as benzene or to the use of certain drugs, including chloramphenicol and phenylbutazone.

Signs and symptoms

• Anemia with malaise, pallor and associated symptoms
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts), leading to increased risk of hemorrhage and bruising
• Neutropenia