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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Aplastic anemia symptoms result from a shortage of one or more types of blood cells. Signs and symptoms may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath with exertion
  • Rapid or irregular heart rate
  • Pale skin
  • Frequent or prolonged infections
  • Unexplained or easy bruising
  • Nosebleeds and bleeding gums
  • Prolonged bleeding from cuts
  • Skin rash
  • Dizziness
  • Headache

Aplastic anemia can progress slowly over weeks or months, or it may come on suddenly. The illness may be brief, or it may become chronic. Without treatment, it may progress and become fatal.

References
  1. Aplastic anemia. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/aplastic/aplastic_all.html. Accessed Feb. 5, 2009.
  2. Aplastic anemia. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec11/ch130/ch130f.html#sec11-ch130-ch130e-91. Accessed Feb. 5, 2009.
  3. Young NS. Aplastic anemia. Current Opinion in Hematology. 2008;15:162.
  4. Schrier SL. Aplastic anemia: Pathogenesis; clinical manifestations; and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 5, 2009.
  5. Schrier SL. Aplastic anemia: Prognosis and treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 5, 2009.
  6. Shih RD. Plants, mushrooms, and herbal medications. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/119296292-3/801134565/1365/515.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02845-4..50167-0--cesec32_8318. Accessed Feb. 6, 2009.

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March 27, 2009

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