Aplastic anemia history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Shyam Patel [2]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.D. [3] Nazia Fuad M.D.

Aplastic anemia is seen as a result of hypoplastic bone marrow causing pancytopenia (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia). The history and symptoms seen are secondary to these abnormalities.

The hallmark of aplastic anemia is past history of anemia (shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, or other signs and symptoms of anemia), exposure to certain toxins or medicines, radiation or chemotherapy, infections or signs of infections, such as fever, bruises or tendency to bleed easily. Family history of anemia or other blood disorders should also be sought.

Decrease numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets cause most of the signs and symptoms of aplastic anemia.^[1]

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Coldness in hands or feet
• Pale skin
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeats
• symptoms suggestive of heart failure (edema, abdominal distension)

• Fever
• Frequent infections
• Flu-like illnesses

• Bruises
• Epistaxis
• Mucosal bleeding
• Pinpoint red spots on skin and in the stool
• Menorrhagia

Aplastic anemia can cause signs and symptoms that aren’t directly related to low blood cell counts. Examples include:

• Nausea
• Skin rashes

Some people who have aplastic anemia have a red blood cell disorder called paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, or PNH. Most people who have PNH don’t have any signs or symptoms. In people who have aplastic anemia and PNH, either condition can develop first. If symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Swelling or pain in the abdomen or swelling in the legs caused by blood clots
• Blood in the urine
• Headaches
• Jaundice