bin and hematocrit. It measures the amount of hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carry oxygen, and red blood cells in the blood.
- Complete blood count, or CBC. A complete blood count checks the red and white blood cells, blood clotting cells (platelets), and sometimes, young red blood cells (reticulocytes). It includes hemoglobin and hematocrit and more details about the red blood cells.
- Peripheral smear. A small sample of blood is examined under a microscope. Blood cells are checked to see if they look normal or not.
- Bone marrow aspiration and/or biopsy. A procedure that involves taking a small amount of bone marrow fluid (aspiration) and/or solid bone marrow tissue called a core biopsy. The hip bone is often used. The fluid and tissue are examined for the number, size, and maturity of blood cells and/or abnormal cells.
How is aplastic anemia in children treated?
Your child’s health care provider will figure out the best treatment based on:
- How old your child is
- His or her overall health and medical history
- How sick he or she is
- How well your child can handle specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- How long the condition is expected to last
- Your opinion or preference
Treatment for aplastic anemia depends on the cause. For mild aplastic anemia, treatment may not be needed. Treatment may include:
- Blood transfusions
- Hormones or other medications (to stimulate the bone marrow to produce cells)
- Immunosuppressive medication
- Stem cell transplant
What are the complications of aplastic anemia in children?
With proper treatment, most children with aplastic anemia have no complications.
Without treatment, complications of aplastic anemia include the following:
- Medication used to treat anemia may cause side effects. Talk with your child's health care provider about your child's specific medications.
- Problems with growth and development
- Heart failure
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe infections
How is aplastic anemia in children managed?
Work with your child's health care provider to develop a treatment plan.
- Try to make your child's life as normal as possible.
- Remember to also pay attention to other children in the family.
- Work closely with your child’s school to make sure he or she gets what is needed.
- Your child may also qualify for special programs under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
- If your child feels different or alone, find a support group for children with anemia.
Your child should avoid activities that increase the chance of infection or bleeding. These activities include things like the following:
- Staying away from people who are sick
- Eating uncooked foods
- Contact sports (for example, football, hockey, skiing, or rollerblading)
- Traveling to high altitudes (children with a low red blood cell count will have increased fatigue and need for oxygen in high altitudes)
When should I call the health care provider?
Each child is different based on how severe his or her symptoms are and what treatment he or she may be getting. Talk with your child's health care provider about when you should call. For example, you may be instructed to call if your child has:
- Signs of infection, like a fever, or flu-like symptoms
- Bleeding that you cannot control
- Increased tiredness
Key points about aplastic anemia in children
- Aplastic anemia is a serious condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough new blood cells.
- It may be passed down from the parents or develop sometime during childhood.
- Some symptoms include tiredness, paleness, frequent infections, and easy bruising and bleeding.
- Aplastic anemia is diagnosed with blood and bone marrow tests.
- Treatment depends on the cause. It may include blood transfusions, medications, and stem cell transplantation.
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s health care provider:
- Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
- At the visit, write down the names of new medicines, treatments, or tests, and any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
- If 