The etiology of aplastic anemia

Written by Li Fang Fang

Hematology

Updated on September 17, 2024

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The etiology of aplastic anemia currently has no absolute cause, but the more supported theories concerning its etiology include the soil, pest, and seed theories.

The soil theory refers to abnormalities in the microenvironment within the bone marrow, which causes an abnormal growth environment for hematopoietic stem cells, consequently limiting their growth.

The seed theory indicates a decrease in the number and quality of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, leading to bone marrow regeneration failure.

The pest theory refers to immunological factors, which play a significant role in aplastic anemia, suggesting a disorder in the patient's immune function that leads to bone marrow regeneration failure.

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Written by Li Fang Fang

Hematology

59sec

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Which is more severe, aplastic anemia or leukemia?

Aplastic anemia is not leukemia. Leukemia is characterized by more than 20% primary cells in the bone marrow being classified as leukemia. Aplastic anemia, on the other hand, is a bone marrow failure disease, characterized by a reduction in hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in all blood cells. Aplastic anemia can be divided into acute aplastic anemia and chronic aplastic anemia. Acute aplastic anemia has a rapid onset, severe condition, and high mortality rate, while chronic aplastic anemia has a slow onset, longer disease history, and lower mortality rate. Treatment for acute aplastic anemia requires intensified immunotherapy or syngeneic complete match transplantation, whereas treatment for chronic aplastic anemia mainly involves promotive hematopoietic therapy.

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Written by Li Fang Fang

Hematology

41sec

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What medicine is used for aplastic anemia?

The main drugs used for aplastic anemia are immunosuppressants and cyclosporine. In addition to cyclosporine, low doses of hormones, androgens, and traditional Chinese medicine can also be used to stimulate bone marrow hematopoiesis. If the medication is effective, continue with oral administration; if ineffective, further consideration of bone marrow transplantation is needed. During the treatment process, it is necessary to regularly review the routine blood tests and, if necessary, provide support treatment with red blood cell and platelet transfusions.

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Written by Li Fang Fang

Hematology

51sec

home-news-image

The etiology of aplastic anemia

The etiology of aplastic anemia currently has no absolute cause, but the more supported theories concerning its etiology include the soil, pest, and seed theories. The soil theory refers to abnormalities in the microenvironment within the bone marrow, which causes an abnormal growth environment for hematopoietic stem cells, consequently limiting their growth. The seed theory indicates a decrease in the number and quality of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, leading to bone marrow regeneration failure. The pest theory refers to immunological factors, which play a significant role in aplastic anemia, suggesting a disorder in the patient's immune function that leads to bone marrow regeneration failure.

home-news-image

Written by Li Fang Fang

Hematology

44sec

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What medicine is used for aplastic anemia?

Aplastic anemia, whether acute or chronic, primarily uses immunosuppressive agents and hematopoietic stimulants for treatment. Cyclosporine is commonly used clinically among immunosuppressants, while the medicines stimulating bone marrow hematopoiesis mainly include androgens such as danazol and stanozolol. These medications all have associated adverse reactions: immunosuppressants can lead to hypertension, hyperglycemia, impaired liver and kidney function, and gum hypertrophy, while the main adverse reactions of hematopoietic androgens are liver damage. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Xiao Le

Hematology

44sec

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Can patients with aplastic anemia drink corn silk water?

Patients with aplastic anemia can drink corn silk tea, but corn silk tea has no therapeutic effect on aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia is caused by various causes and mechanisms leading to bone marrow failure, mainly characterized by decreased bone marrow hematopoietic function, decreased total blood cells, and the resulting anemia, bleeding, and infection syndrome. The pathogenesis of aplastic anemia is not clear, mainly due to immune abnormalities. The treatment is mainly the use of immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and hematopoietic agents, primarily androgens. Corn silk tea does not have a therapeutic effect on the mechanisms of this disease.