Anemia is a condition where blood cells in the body become very low. Aplastic anemia occurs when bone marrow does not produce blood cells in adequate amounts for the functions of the body. Aplastic anemia is one of the rare diseases but it can be a life-threatening situation if not properly managed on time. Aplastic anemia can develop slowly where symptoms are not prominent or it can present in its severe form when symptoms are more obvious. In a normal body, stem cells present in bone marrow develop into different kinds of blood cells but when these stem cells are damaged due to trauma or any disease, a condition of aplastic anemia occurs in the body where a very small amount of blood cells are produced from stem cells. Sometimes the body's natural defense system works against the stem cells and damages the healthy stem cells in bone marrow. Stem cells can also be damaged as a side effect of some medications and treatment therapies. Aplastic anemia can increase the risks of bleeding or other serious conditions if not treated on time. For example, if aplastic anemia is not treated, it can lead to complications of heart or even heart failure. Aplastic anemia can severely affect the life quality of patients.
Types of Aplastic Anemia Treatment India
Some of the types of treatment that can be used to treat aplastic anemia are as follows:
- Blood Transfusions
- Immunosuppressive Therapy
- Bone Marrow Transplantation
- Experimental therapies
- Supportive Care
Blood Transfusions
When blood cells decrease to very low levels, blood transfusion is required to treat aplastic anemia. Patients receive transfusions in which all types of blood cells are present to improve the deficiency and to improve the overall well-being of the patient.
Immunosuppressive Therapy
Immunosuppressive therapy involves the treatment with medications that limit the damage to stem cells by the body’s defense mechanism. These medications suppress the activity of defense mechanisms which can help the bone marrow to recover and produce more blood cells. This treatment is often used for patients with severe cases of aplastic anemia.
Bone Marrow Transplantation
In some severe cases of aplastic anemia, bone marrow transplant treatment may be considered in which diseased bone marrow is replaced or transplanted with healthy bone marrow from a close relative to lower the chances of rejection of the transplant. Bone marrow transplant can completely cure aplastic anemia but it has some complications and limitations.
Experimental Therapies
In some cases, when standard treatments are not effective, experimental therapies may be considered. These may include new medications or therapies that can help in stimulating blood cell production. Experimental therapies do not cure the disease completely as they are still in the experimental phase.
Supportive Care
Patients with Aplastic Anemia often require supportive care to manage symptoms and complications. This includes medications to prevent infections, stimulate blood cell production, and reduce bleeding or bruising. It can help in improving the life quality of patients by treating the symptoms.
Medical History and Physical Examination
The healthcare provider takes a medical history of a patient in which the risk factors are identified. The doctor also performed some physical examinations to correlate the symptoms with the diagnosis.
Blood Tests
The blood tests are performed to check for blood cells in the body. These are:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This is a type of blood test that is performed to check the number of all types of cells that are present in the blood. All blood cells decrease in the case of aplastic anemia.
- Reticulocyte Count: These tests measure the cell type in blood that grows into red blood cells. A low level of reticulocyte can be a sign of aplastic anemia.
- Peripheral Blood Smear: In this test, the structure of blood cells including shape and size is examined to find out the nature of the disease and the cause of the disease.
- Bone Marrow Aspiration: In this test, a small sample of bone marrow is taken from the hip bone or breastbone by using a thin needle. This sample is examined under a microscope to assess the number and appearance of blood-forming cells.
- Cytogenetic Testing: This test is performed to find out any abnormality of the gene that can be related to the condition of aplastic anemia.
Cost of Aplastic Anemia Treatment in India
The cost of Aplastic anemia treatment in India ranges from 8000 USD to 2200 USD. The cost can vary according to the cause of aplastic anemia and the complications of each patient with aplastic anemia.
- Aplastic Anemia Treatment : 15984 USD - 21312 USD
- Bone Marrow Transplant : 7992 USD - 10656 USD
Symptoms and Risk factors
Some of the symptoms of aplastic anemia are as follows:
- Fatigue
- Pale Skin
- Shortness of Breath
- Frequent Infections
- Easy Bruising
- Nosebleeds and Gum Bleeding
- Small red or purple spots on the skin
- Prolonged or Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
- Frequent Headaches
- Enlarged Spleen
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Weakness
- Frequent Fever
- Dizziness
- Chest Pain
- Difficulty in Concentrating
- Blood in Stools
- Joint Pain
Risk factors for Aplastic Anemia
Some of the risk factors that are associated with aplastic anemia are as follows:
Exposure to Toxins
Exposure to certain harmful chemicals for a longer period can increase the risk of aplastic anemia. People who are exposed to harmful chemicals due to occupation have a higher risk of developing aplastic anemia.
Radiation Exposure
High levels of radiation can increase the risk of developing aplastic anemia. For example, people who received radiation therapy previously for cancer treatment are at higher risk.
Chemotherapy
Some medications that are used in chemotherapy treatment can damage the bone marrow which ultimately leads to the condition of aplastic anemia.
Medications
Certain medications have been associated with an increased risk of Aplastic Anemia. For example, medications to treat infection can affect bone marrow health.
Viral Infections
Infections caused by viruses are also associated with an increased risk of aplastic anemia.
Autoimmune Disorders
An autoimmune disorder is a condition where the body's natural defense system attacks cells of its own body. This condition can damage bone marrow and increase the risk of aplastic anemia.
Genetic Predisposition
Sometimes, the diseases run in families due to genetic factors. Aplastic anemia can also occur due to positive family history.
Pregnancy
Aplastic Anemia can occur during pregnancy. However, the risk is rare.
Age
Aplastic anemia is more common in young adults and older individuals but it can occur in almost all age groups.
Gender
Aplastic anemia is more common among men than women. So male population is at greater risk of developing aplastic anemia than females.
02/15/2024
