When the number of platelets is less than normal, the blood does not clot properly, which often causes excessive bleeding and bruising. In this article from Hi doctor We have prepared information about anemia and its treatment. We recommend that you do not miss this article and read it. Join us.
Bruises are formed as a result of damage to one or more blood vessels due to a skin injury. Blood leaks from these damaged blood vessels into the surrounding tissue and causes formation a bruise will be
But sometimes bruises appear for no apparent reason. Meanwhile, anemia is one of the things that can lead to bruising.
Unexplained bruising is common with a certain type of anemia, known as aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia is a medical condition defined not only by a low number of red blood cells, but also a low number of white blood cells and platelets. When the number of platelets is lower than normal, the blood clotting process does not work well, which often leads to excessive bleeding and bruising.
Other signs and symptoms of aplastic anemia include the following:
Pale skin
tiredness
dizziness
Headache
skin rash
Shortness of breath
Fast and irregular heartbeat
bleeding gums
nose bleeding
Prolonged bleeding from a cut, etc
Aplastic anemia progresses slowly over several weeks and months. Sometimes it may appear suddenly and even threaten a person’s life. Aplastic anemia may also become chronic.
Causes of aplastic anemia
As mentioned, anemia, especially aplastic anemia, can cause bruising. There are two types of aplastic anemia:
Acquired aplastic anemia
Acquired aplastic anemia is an autoimmune disorder caused by the destruction of blood cells by the body’s immune system. This type of anemia can start at any age, and affects both men and women. In about 75 percent of cases, acquired aplastic anemia is idiopathic (congenital), meaning the actual cause is unknown. However, possible causes of acquired aplastic anemia include the following:
Radiation therapy or chemotherapy to treat cancer
Poisons
Infectious diseases such as cytomegalovirus or HIV
Treatments for other autoimmune diseases
pregnancy
Hereditary aplastic anemia
Hereditary aplastic anemia is a genetic disease that is passed from parent to child. This type of aplastic anemia is less common than the acquired type, and is usually diagnosed during childhood. Some inherited medical conditions that can lead to aplastic anemia include:
Dyskeratosis congenita
Fanconi anemia
Diamond-Black Fan Anemia
Schwachman-Diamond syndrome
Another type of hereditary aplastic anemia is diagnosed among adults. This newly discovered type is formed by short telomeres. Special tests are needed to diagnose this type of aplastic anemia.
How to treat aplastic anemia
Aplastic anemia, regardless of whether it is hereditary or acquired, is one of the causes of bruising and proper treatment is essential to control bruising. In the following, we will learn more about some of the available treatment methods for aplastic anemia.
Blood injection
Blood transfusions are often necessary to reduce symptoms of aplastic anemia and control bleeding. It should be noted that blood transfusion is not a treatment method for this type of anemia. This action only provides temporary relief of symptoms. A blood transfusion usually involves a transfusion of platelets or red blood cells. An injection of red blood cells increases their number in a person’s bloodstream, while an injection of platelets helps prevent excessive bleeding.
In general, there is no limit when it comes to the number of transfusions a person can receive. However, blood transfusion has its own side effects and effects. After several injections of red blood cells, iron accumulation occurs in the human body, which damages vital organs. Additionally, the human body may release antibodies against red blood cells, which reduce their effectiveness. Regular use of immunosuppressants will prevent these conditions.
Stem cell transplant
In cases of severe aplastic anemia, stem cell transplantation is the only option for successful treatment. Stem cell transplantation is commonly known as bone marrow transplantation. This treatment method is more suitable for young and healthy patients. A compatible donor is required, which is typically the patient’s sibling.
As with other treatments, stem cell transplantation has its own risks and side effects. There is always a possibility that the body will reject the transplant, which leads to the formation of life-threatening complications.
Immune system suppressors
Immunosuppressive drugs are necessary for patients who cannot receive a bone marrow transplant and for those with aplastic anemia caused by autoimmune disorders. Immunosuppressive drugs inhibit the activity of the immune system, which will allow the bone marrow to regenerate more quickly and produce new blood cells. Aplastic anemia may return when these drugs are stopped.
Bone marrow stimulants
Certain types of medications such as epoetin alfa, filgrastim, etc. may help stimulate the bone marrow to produce new blood cells.
Antibiotics and antivirals
Aplastic anemia will weaken the patient’s immune system. This means that you will be more vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections. Hence, various antibiotics and antivirals are often prescribed by the doctor.
Other treatments
If aplastic anemia is treated by chemotherapy or radiation therapy cancer Once these treatments are finished, the anemia will improve.
If pregnancy is the cause of aplastic anemia, with the end of this period, the anemia will also improve. If there is no improvement in these conditions after the birth of the baby, the use of other drugs will be required as prescribed by the doctor.
Source: Asr Iran
