hematology and oncology
Pure Red Blood Cell Aplasia
Introduction
Acquired pure red blood cell aplasia is a disorder of erythroid precursors that results in an isolated normocytic anemia. White blood cells and platelets are not affected. Symptoms result from anemia and include fatigue, lethargy, decreased exercise tolerance, and pallor. Diagnosis requires demonstration of peripheral normocytic anemia and a normocellular bone marrow biopsy with absence of erythroid precursors. Treatment usually involves treatment of underlying cause and in some cases thymectomy or immunosuppression. (See also Overview of Decreased Erythropoiesis .) Congenital pure red cell aplasia ( Perinatal Anemia ) is discussed elsewhere. 