Severe Aplastic Anemia

In patients with aplastic anemia, the body is unable to produce enough new blood cells; in severe cases of this condition, the marrow can stop making any blood cells at all. As a result, infections and bleeding can both have life-threatening consequences. The cause of this condition is damage to the bone marrow, which may occur as a result of radiation therapy or chemotherapy, exposure to certain chemicals, regular use of some prescription medications and the occurrence of certain blood diseases, autoimmune disorders or serious infections. Treatment for aplastic anemia and severe aplastic anemia may include medications, blood transfusions and stem cell transplants along with immunosuppressive therapy.