Treatment:

Mild cases of aplastic anemia may be treated with supportive care or may require no treatment.

In moderate cases, blood transfusions and platelet transfusions will help correct the abnormal blood counts and relieve some symptoms.

Severe aplastic anemia, which is defined as a very low blood-cell count, is a life-threatening condition. Bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplant is recommended for severe disease in younger patients.

For older patients, or for those who do not have a matched bone marrow donor, Atgam or thymoglobulin are alternative treatments. These medicines suppress the body's immune system in a way that allows the bone marrow to once again make blood cells. Atgam may be used in combination with other drugs, such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and steroids. Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) is another drug that may be used in certain circumstances.

Expectations (prognosis):

Untreated aplastic anemia leads to rapid death. Bone marrow transplant has been successful in young people, with long term survival rates of about 80%. Older people have a survival rate of 40 - 70%.

Complications:

• Severe infections or bleeding
• Complications of bone marrow transplant (graft failure or graft-versus-host disease)
• Reactions to medications (patients can have reactions to Atgam)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if bleeding occurs for no reason, or if bleeding is difficult to stop. Call if you notice frequent infections or unusual fatigue.