The main cause of aplastic anemia is.

Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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The causes of aplastic anemia are considered to be of three types: abnormalities in hematopoietic stem cells, abnormalities in the bone marrow microenvironment, and abnormalities in immune factors. Among these, abnormalities in immune factors play a dominant role. Therefore, most patients with aplastic anemia see some improvement after receiving immunosuppressive therapy clinically. However, there is a small subset of patients with aplastic anemia for whom immunosuppressive therapy is not effective, and the causes of the disease in these patients are not well understood and may be congenital, such as congenital dyskeratosis.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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Can aplastic anemia have children?

Acute aplastic anemia, after effective immunotherapy and discontinuation of medication for more than two years, or after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and discontinuation of medication for more than two years, it is possible to have children. In cases of chronic aplastic anemia, due to long-term oral intake of immunosuppressants and hematopoietic stimulants, having children is not advised. However, if immunosuppressants and hematopoietic drugs are effective and discontinued for more than two years, and blood levels are acceptable, then it is possible to have children.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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Can aplastic anemia be cured completely?

Aplastic anemia clinically is categorized into acute aplastic anemia and chronic aplastic anemia. Acute aplastic anemia appears suddenly and is severe, with a short survival period. Chronic aplastic anemia develops slowly, has a longer history, and is relatively milder in condition. Whether it is acute aplastic anemia or chronic aplastic anemia, curative treatment can only be achieved through allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation offers a potential cure for aplastic anemia, there is also a certain rate of failure. Additionally, post-transplant, there is a presence of immune rejection.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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Is aplastic anemia contagious?

Aplastic anemia is not contagious and has a minor hereditary factor, meaning that if a family member has aplastic anemia, it is generally not inherited by the next generation. The cause of aplastic anemia is still unclear, but possible reasons include: 1. Damage to hematopoietic stem cells. After the hematopoietic stem cells are damaged, it leads to limited stem cell proliferation and reduced hematopoiesis. 2. Damage to the hematopoietic microenvironment. Damage to the hematopoietic microenvironment can lead to changes that disrupt the regeneration of hematopoietic stem cells. 3. Immune factors. Immune factors can cause immune damage, directly damaging hematopoietic stem cells, thereby causing bone marrow regeneration disorders.

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Written by Zhang Xiao Le
Hematology
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Does aplastic anemia easily cause oral ulcers?

Patients with aplastic anemia are more prone to oral ulcers. Aplastic anemia is a type of bone marrow failure syndrome, where there is a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the peripheral blood to various extents. Long-term anemia can lead to mucosal ischemia and hypoxia. The reduction in white blood cells weakens the mucosal barrier's protective function, making it susceptible to bacterial invasion and thus prone to oral ulcers. Additionally, patients with anemia often have poor diets over long periods, leading to a deficiency in various vitamins, which is another reason why they are prone to oral ulcers. If symptoms like joint pain are present along with oral ulcers, further rheumatological and immunological tests should be conducted to rule out rheumatic and immune system diseases.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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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.