Cause 8. Bone Marrow Disorders: The Direct Link
Certain bone marrow disorders can directly lead to aplastic anemia. Conditions such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) can impair the bone marrow’s ability to produce blood cells, resulting in aplastic anemia.
Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders characterized by abnormal blood cell production in the bone marrow. These conditions can progress to aplastic anemia as the bone marrow becomes increasingly unable to produce sufficient blood cells.
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a rare and life-threatening blood disorder in which abnormal red blood cells are destroyed by the immune system. This condition can lead to bone marrow failure and aplastic anemia as the bone marrow struggles to compensate for the ongoing loss of red blood cells.
Treatment for aplastic anemia caused by bone marrow disorders typically involves addressing the underlying condition. This may include medications to suppress the immune system, blood transfusions, or bone marrow transplantation to replace the damaged bone marrow with healthy cells. (8)
