Aplastic Anemia

Pathophysiology of Aplastic anemia:

• Failure of bone marrow production of RBCs, WBCs, & platelets.

  • Can be caused by: autoimmune mechanisms, toxic exposure (radiation, chemicals, medications), or infections (Hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV)

  • Fanconi anemia can also contribute to bone marrow suppression.

• Leads to anemia (low RBCs), leukopenia (low WBCs), & thrombocytopenia (low platelets)

• Bone marrow failure leads to a decrease of hematopoietic stem cell production.

Risk Factors of Aplastic Anemia:

• Genetic factors (fanconi anemia, diamond-blackfan anemia)

• Exposure to chemicals

• Medications

• Radiation

• Viral Infections

• Autoimmune disorders

• Age & Gender

• Previous bone marrow disorders

Signs and Symptoms of Aplastic anemia:

• Anemia symptoms: fatigue, pallor, SOB, dizziness

• Leukopenia symptoms: increased infections & fever

• Thrombocytopenia: easy bruising, petechiae, prolonged bleeding, nosebleeds, heavy menstrual periods

• Headaches & bone pain

Diagnostic testing for aplastic anemia:

• CBC

• Bone marrow aspiration & biospy

• blood smear

Nursing interventions for aplastic anemia:

• Monitor CBC

• Monitor for signs of infection (fever, chills)

• Monitor for signs of bleeding

• Avoid crowds & protective isolation

• Increase iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid

• increase fluids

• use soft toothbrushes, electric razors, and avoid high-risk activities to minimize bleeding

• Regular follow-up for blood tests and monitoring

• Put patient on bleeding precautions for low platelet count

• Put patients on protective precautions for low WBCs

Treatments for aplastic anemia

• bone marrow transplant

• blood transfusions