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Aplastic anaemia

Date: May 2011

Definition:

A definite diagnosis by a Consultant Haematologist of permanent bone marrow failure which results in anaemia, neurtopenia and thrombocytopenia requiring treatment with at least one of the following:

  • blood transfusion;
  • marrow stimulating agents;
  • immunosupressive agents;
  • bone marrow transplant.

For the above definition, the following is not covered:

  • other forms of anaemia.

 

What does this mean?

Aplastic anaemia is a rare and very serious form of anaemia in which there is a decrease in the quantity of blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. This then causes impairment of all blood cell production.

This condition can be present from birth or may develop in later life.

In most cases the bone marrow failure is permanent. However, in some cases (e.g. due to drug or radiation treatment or to infection) it is temporary. Temporary bone marrow failure would not be covered by the definition.

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