ANAEMIA, APLASTIC

DESCRIPTION

Pancytopenia due to a hypoplastic bone marrow.

Clinical features:

» pallor,

» petechiae,

» purpura, and

» bleeding with frequent or severe infections.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

If neutropenic and febrile, see section 2.7: Febrile Neutropenia.

REFERRAL

» Discuss all cases of suspected aplastic anaemia with a specialist.

Stabilise patient, if necessary, with blood products before transport but after

consultation with an expert.

 

Reference and further reading

Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa 2012 Edition