Definition

Secondary aplastic anemia is a failure of the bone marrow to form enough blood cells. All blood cell types are affected.

Alternative Names

Anemia - secondary aplastic; Acquired aplastic anemia

Causes

Secondary aplastic anemia results from injury to stem cells. Normal stem cells divide and differentiate into all blood cell types. Thus, when stem cells are injured, there is a reduction in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

This condition can be caused by chemotherapy, drug therapy to suppress the immune system, radiation therapy, toxins such as benzene or arsenic, drugs, pregnancy, and congenital disorders. When the cause is unknown, it is then referred to as idiopathic aplastic anemia.

The disease may be acute or chronic and is usually gets worse unless the cause is removed.

Review Date: 5/6/2003
Reviewed By: Ezra E. W. Cohen, M.D., Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.