Aplastic Anemia Cause

Aplastic anemia is a serious condition and the incidence reportedly occurs in three separate peaks: when people are 2-5 years old, 20-25 years old and 55-60 years old.Aplastic anemia is a serious and potentially fatal condition defined as a medical condition in which there is a reduction in the number of blood cells and platelets in the body.

The conditions affects the ability of blood cells within the body to produce in a healthy manner. The white and red blood cells and platelets are affected by the aplastic anemia and begin produce erratically.

Etiology of Aplastic Anemia Incidences

According to reports, an estimated 70% of aplastic anemia cases are idiopathic. However the other percentage of cases that occur are caused by:

• Hereditary Reasons- Fanconi Anemia, Dyskeratosis Congenital and Schwachman-Diamond syndrome can all lead to aplastic anemia
• Acquired Cases- Direct stem cell destruction, certain medications and  infections
• Exposure to benzene- Benzene and other toxic chemicals can causes aplastic anemia over time
• Immune Disorders- Hereditary and acquired immune disorders can lead to the condition

Receiving an Aplastic Anemia Diagnosis

Although the incidence of aplastic anemia is not very common, people are affected yearly by this health condition. A definitive diagnosis for aplastic anemia can be made by acquiring a bone marrow biopsy. A biopsy typically takes place in a lab that includes CBC with platelets and smear, drug screen, viral serologies, serum folate and B12.

A bone marrow biopsy may also be used as an effective way of determining whether a person has profound hypocelularity and malignant fibrosis or infiltrates. For a healthy outcome, the hematopoetic cells should be normal and not be megaloblastic.

Receiving a Treatment for Aplastic Anemia

When a person is exposed to any agents known to cause aplastic anemia, such as benzene or other toxic chemicals, doctors want to make sure these agents are removed from the person’s life immediately. Particularly after a diagnosis is made since exposure can only worsen the patient’s health.

However, in some cases the damage to the bone marrow is already irreversible and initial treatment for aplastic anemia consists of supportive care, blood transfusions and the overall limitation of infectious exposures.

While more definitive therapy consists of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Research shows that matched sibling donor transplants have a cure rate of 60 to 70%.

Do you know someone that is suffering from aplastic anemia due to exposure to benzene? If so, contact an experienced benzene lawyer for legal support and an evaluation of your claim.

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Benzene Attorney Leukemia Statute of Limitations

Aplastic anemia may vary in cause and in its course with each person affected. Aplastic anemia, a condition of the blood, affects the bone marrow and the cavity of the bone.

Red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are produced in the marrow of the bone. The bone marrow must constantly produce new, healthy blood cells. The condition of aplastic anemia affects how the production of blood cells occurs due to damaging the bone marrow and slowing or causing erratic production.

Aplastic anemia development, in most cases, is clear to doctors in relation to the causes. There are cases where the doctor cannot identify why the patient is suffering from the disease and the symptoms of aplastic anemia.

Causes Leading to Aplastic Anemia

Below are some common factors that can potentially cause the bone marrow to become severely injured in a patient’s body, which can potentially lead to aplastic anemia:

• Radiation or Chemotherapy Treatments - With these types of treatment the cancer cells are hopefully killed off since they can have a damaging effect on healthy cells within the body
• Benzene Exposure - Benzene, which is a known carcinogen, can have fatal effects on those who are exposed through inhalation, handling or ingesting the chemical over an extended time period
• Medication Use - Some types of drugs, such as certain antibiotics and other medications can be behind the cause of aplastic anemia
• Autoimmune Disorder - Certain autoimmune disorders such as lupus can cause injury to your body and the bone marrow because it can start to attack healthy cells

A Rare Disease

Roughly 1,000 people in the United States each year are diagnosed with aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia appears to be more common in Asian countries where the number of cases is higher. Aplastic anemia is more likely to happen to people who:

• Have been exposed to benzene and other toxic chemicals over an extended period of time
• Have autoimmune disorders and viruses like HIV and hepatitis
• Have some type of inherited disorder

Considering researchers have been studying the causes behind aplastic anemia for decades, there are now several effective treatments available for those with the illness, no matter what caused them to develop it. Commonly used treatments for aplastic anemia are chemotherapy, medication and blood transfusions. Although risky, bone marrow transplants may be required in cases that are more serious.

If you or someone you love feel that you have been put at risk and could have aplastic anemia, please contact an experienced benzene attorney who will give you the support and legal guidance you need and deserve.

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