What tests should be done to diagnose aplastic anemia?

Written by Zhang Xiao Le
Hematology
Updated on November 12, 2024
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The diagnostic criteria for aplastic anemia include a decrease in all blood cells, generally no enlargement of the liver or spleen, reduced or severe reduction in bone marrow hyperplasia in multiple sites, and exclusion of other diseases causing a decrease in all blood cells. Therefore, the diagnosis of aplastic anemia requires the following tests: complete blood count, reticulocyte count, abdominal ultrasound, bone marrow cytology, bone marrow chromosome analysis, bone marrow biopsy, rheumatoid immune indicators, and peripheral blood T-cell subgroups. Additionally, for patients suspected of having aplastic anemia, further flow cytometry and differentiation from myelodysplastic syndromes are sometimes necessary.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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Aplastic anemia is classified into several types.

Aplastic anemia is divided into two types: acute aplastic anemia and chronic aplastic anemia. Acute aplastic anemia presents suddenly and is severe. Treatment requires intensified immunotherapy or suppression of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Chronic aplastic anemia develops slowly, has a longer history, and is relatively less severe. The treatment for chronic aplastic anemia mainly involves immunotherapy combined with therapy to promote hematopoiesis. In addition, regardless of the type, all cases of aplastic anemia require regular complete blood count checks and, when necessary, supportive treatment with red blood cell and platelet transfusions.

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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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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 Zhang Xiao Le
Hematology
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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.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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What causes aplastic anemia?

Aplastic anemia's exact causes are still not completely clear. Clinically, it is believed that immune dysfunction is a significant factor associated with aplastic anemia. Most cases of aplastic anemia can achieve good therapeutic outcomes through immunosuppressive treatment, which indirectly supports this view. However, some scholars believe that in aplastic anemia, there are patients for whom immunosuppressive treatment is ineffective. This suggests that other factors might exist, such as congenital anomalies in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, or abnormalities in the hematopoietic microenvironment, which may also play a role in the development of aplastic anemia.