Aplastic anemia cases can vary from mild, to moderate, to severe; however, there are several treatments that are readily available to help patients living with this illness. With severe aplastic anemia, your blood cells counts can be extremely low, which means that the illness has progressed to the life-threatening point. In this case, a patient would need immediate hospital care. On the other hand, with mild or moderate aplastic anemia, hospitalization isn't always required to treat the patient.

Among the various aplastic anemia treatments that are available are blood transfusions, medications and, in more severe cases of the illness, bone marrow transplantation.

Treating Aplastic Anemia with Blood Transfusions

Most patients who are living with aplastic anemia receive multiple blood transfusions as part of their treatment. For this type of aplastic anemia transfusion, a transfusion of the red blood cells, platelets, or both could be required. Although blood transfusions don't cure the illness, they do serve as an effective aplastic anemia treatment.

Red blood cells- Transfusions involving red blood cells help to increase the amount of red blood cells in the patient's body. As a result, symptoms like anemia and fatigue are relieved. Since there are only four major blood types, matching blood types between donor and recipient is typically an easy process.

Platelets- Platelets can be collected from the donor through a process known as hemapheresis. During this process, the blood is drawn from a vein in a donor's arm before it is circulated through a blood-separating machine and platelets are removed before returning the blood to the donor. 

White blood cells- Since white blood cells have a shorter lifespan that both red blood cell and platelets, they typically can't be transfused as easily.

Even though there's generally no limit to the number of blood cell transfusions are done. Transfused blood also may contain viruses or other infections that could easily get passed on to the recipient. However, these days, blood supply is safer than it's ever been before.

Immunosuppressant’s for Aplastic Anemia Treatment

Aplastic anemia could be caused due to an autoimmune disorder that's allowing your immune system to attack and damage the cells within the bone marrow. To prevent this from continuing and the problem from progressing, doctors will sometimes use drugs to treat aplastic anemia in an attempt to alter or suppress the immune system.

Medications such as cyclosporine and anti-thymocyte globulin are prime examples of what doctors will use to prevent the cells from being attacked. These particular drugs suppress the activity of immune cells that cause damage to the bone marrow. As a result, the bone marrow is assisted in the recovery process and is able to generate new blood cells. Immune-suppressing drugs can be very effective at treating aplastic anemia.

However, there is a risk in taking these types of medications. These drugs can sometimes weaken the immune system, and although they do serve as beneficial aplastic anemia treatment, it's also possible that the illness could return.

Are you currently receiving aplastic anemia treatment? If so, please contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your case and ensure that you are receiving the legal support and advice you need and deserve during this time.

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See Also:

• Severe Aplastic Anemia 
• Aplastic Anaemia

Benzene Leukemia Law Blog