Aplastic anemia is a rare blood disorder that originates in the bone marrow, where the production of blood cells takes place. The process begins with the formation of stem cells, which eventually develop into new blood cells. However, various factors can cause damage to the bone marrow and stem cells, leading to a deficiency in red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.
While aplastic anemia can affect individuals of any age, it is considered an uncommon condition. According to a study published in Haematologica in 2017, there are only approximately 1.5 to seven reported cases of aplastic anemia per million people each year.
Understanding the Effects on the Body
When it comes to aplastic anemia, an intricate process within the body is disrupted. This condition directly affects the bone marrow, which is responsible for producing stem cells that eventually develop into red, white, and platelet cells. However, in individuals with aplastic anemia, this natural progression is hindered as the stem cells fail to mature.
Normally, the bone marrow is rich in immature stem cells. However, in the case of aplastic anemia, these vital stem cells are gradually replaced by fat cells, leading to an imbalance in the production of healthy blood cells. This deficiency of properly developed blood cells can result in a range of severe symptoms and illnesses.
External Causes
Aplastic anemia can be caused by external factors that originate outside the body. For instance, radiation and chemotherapy treatments, which are often used for treating other types of cancer, can sometimes damage the healthy stem cells in the body, leading to temporary aplastic anemia. Exposure to toxic chemicals like pesticides and benzene has also been associated with this condition. Additionally, the use of drugs that suppress the bone marrow response, commonly prescribed for treating autoimmune diseases, has been found to be linked to aplastic anemia.