How is aplastic anemia diagnosed. What are the symptoms of low hematocrit levels. What specialists are involved in treating aplastic anemia. What tests are used to diagnose aplastic anemia. How does a complete blood count help diagnose anemia. What do bone marrow tests reveal about aplastic anemia. What other conditions can mimic aplastic anemia symptoms.

Understanding Hematocrit and Hemoglobin Levels

Hematocrit and hemoglobin are crucial components in assessing blood health. Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in your blood volume, while hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body. When these levels are low, it can indicate anemia, including a serious condition called aplastic anemia.

Are low hematocrit levels always a cause for concern. Not necessarily, but they often warrant further investigation. Normal ranges can vary based on factors like age, gender, and ethnicity. However, consistently low levels may signify underlying health issues that require medical attention.

Recognizing Symptoms of Low Hematocrit Levels

Identifying the symptoms of low hematocrit levels is crucial for early detection and treatment. Common signs include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Irregular heartbeats
• Cold hands and feet

Can low hematocrit levels cause headaches. Yes, headaches are a common symptom of anemia due to reduced oxygen supply to the brain. If you experience persistent headaches along with other symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

The Role of Specialists in Diagnosing Aplastic Anemia

When aplastic anemia is suspected, your primary care physician may refer you to a hematologist. These specialists focus on blood disorders and play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating conditions like aplastic anemia.

Why is a hematologist best equipped to handle aplastic anemia cases. Hematologists have extensive training in blood-related disorders and can interpret complex diagnostic tests. They’re also familiar with the latest treatment options and can provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs.

The Diagnostic Process

Diagnosing aplastic anemia involves a multi-step process:

1. Medical and family history assessment
2. Physical examination
3. Blood tests
4. Bone marrow tests
5. Additional diagnostic procedures

This thorough approach helps rule out other conditions and determines the severity of the anemia, guiding treatment decisions.

Comprehensive Blood Tests for Anemia Diagnosis

Blood tests are fundamental in diagnosing aplastic anemia and other blood disorders. The complete blood count (CBC) is often the first test performed, providing valuable information about various blood components.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A CBC measures:

• Hemoglobin levels
• Hematocrit percentage
• Red blood cell count
• White blood cell count
• Platelet count
• Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)

How does the CBC help in diagnosing anemia. Low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels indicate anemia, while abnormalities in other components can suggest specific types of anemia or related conditions. The MCV, for instance, can provide clues about the underlying cause of the anemia.

Reticulocyte Count

This test measures young red blood cells, providing insight into bone marrow function. A low reticulocyte count in the presence of anemia suggests that the bone marrow isn’t producing enough new red blood cells, which is characteristic of aplastic anemia.

The Importance of Bone Marrow Tests in Aplastic Anemia Diagnosis

Bone marrow tests are crucial for confirming aplastic anemia and assessing its severity. These tests include bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Bone Marrow Aspiration

In this procedure, a small amount of bone marrow fluid is extracted through a needle. The sample is examined under a microscope to evaluate cell production and identify any abnormalities.

Bone Marrow Biopsy

A bone marrow biopsy involves removing a small piece of bone marrow tissue. This test provides information about the overall structure of the bone marrow and the number and types of cells present.

What do bone marrow tests reveal in aplastic anemia cases. In aplastic anemia, bone marrow tests typically show a lower than normal number of all three types of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) and increased fat content in the marrow.

Ruling Out Other Conditions: Additional Diagnostic Tests

Since other conditions can mimic the symptoms of aplastic anemia, additional tests may be necessary to ensure an accurate diagnosis. These may include:

• Imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds)
• Chest X-rays
• Liver function tests
• Viral studies
• Vitamin B12 and folate level tests
• Tests for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)
• Immune system antibody tests

Why are these additional tests important. They help rule out other potential causes of anemia, such as vitamin deficiencies, liver diseases, or other blood disorders. This comprehensive approach ensures that the diagnosis of aplastic anemia is accurate and that no underlying conditions are missed.

Treatment Approaches for Aplastic Anemia

Once aplastic anemia is diagnosed, treatment options are determined based on the severity of the condition and its underlying cause. Common treatments include:

• Blood transfusions
• Immunosuppressive therapy
• Bone marrow transplantation
• Growth factor therapy
• Antibiotics to prevent and treat infections

Can aplastic anemia be cured. While there’s no guaranteed cure for all cases, many patients respond well to treatment. Bone marrow transplantation offers the potential for a complete cure in suitable candidates, while other treatments can effectively manage the condition and improve quality of life.

Monitoring and Follow-up Care

Regular monitoring is essential for patients with aplastic anemia. This includes:

• Periodic blood tests to check cell counts
• Bone marrow examinations to assess treatment response
• Monitoring for potential complications
• Adjusting treatment as needed

How often should patients with aplastic anemia have follow-up appointments. The frequency of follow-up care depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment plan. Initially, appointments may be weekly or bi-weekly, gradually becoming less frequent as the condition stabilizes.

Living with Aplastic Anemia: Lifestyle Considerations

Managing aplastic anemia involves more than medical treatment. Patients can take several steps to improve their quality of life and reduce complications:

• Maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients
• Getting adequate rest and managing fatigue
• Avoiding infections through proper hygiene and precautions
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
• Staying physically active as tolerated
• Joining support groups or seeking psychological support

How does aplastic anemia affect daily life. The impact varies depending on the severity of the condition and individual circumstances. Many patients can lead relatively normal lives with proper treatment and management, while others may face more significant challenges and limitations.

Pregnancy and Aplastic Anemia

For women with aplastic anemia who are considering pregnancy, special considerations are necessary. Close monitoring and specialized care are crucial to ensure the health of both mother and baby.

Is pregnancy safe for women with aplastic anemia. While pregnancy can be challenging for women with aplastic anemia, many can have successful pregnancies with proper medical care and close monitoring. However, it’s essential to discuss the risks and management strategies with a healthcare team before conception.

Research and Future Directions in Aplastic Anemia Treatment

Ongoing research continues to improve our understanding and treatment of aplastic anemia. Current areas of focus include:

• Developing new immunosuppressive therapies
• Improving bone marrow transplantation techniques
• Investigating gene therapies
• Exploring novel growth factors and stimulating agents
• Studying the role of the immune system in aplastic anemia

What promising treatments are on the horizon for aplastic anemia. Emerging therapies include targeted immunotherapies, gene editing techniques, and improved stem cell transplantation methods. These advancements hold the potential to offer more effective and less toxic treatments in the future.

Participating in Clinical Trials

For some patients, participating in clinical trials may provide access to cutting-edge treatments. However, it’s important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits in consultation with your healthcare team.

How can patients find information about aplastic anemia clinical trials. Resources like ClinicalTrials.gov, the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation, and discussions with hematologists can provide information about ongoing trials and eligibility criteria.

The Importance of Patient Education and Advocacy

Empowering patients with knowledge about their condition is crucial for effective management of aplastic anemia. Key aspects of patient education include:

• Understanding the disease process
• Recognizing signs of complications
• Knowing when to seek medical attention
• Understanding treatment options and potential side effects
• Learning about self-care strategies

How can patients become effective advocates for their own care. Staying informed about the latest developments in aplastic anemia research, maintaining open communication with healthcare providers, and participating in support groups or patient advocacy organizations can empower patients to take an active role in their care.

Support Resources for Patients and Families

Various organizations provide support and resources for individuals affected by aplastic anemia:

• Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation
• American Society of Hematology
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
• Local hospital-based support groups

These organizations offer educational materials, support services, and opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges.

In conclusion, understanding low hematocrit levels and aplastic anemia is crucial for early detection and effective management. From recognizing symptoms to navigating complex diagnostic procedures and treatment options, patients and healthcare providers must work together to achieve the best possible outcomes. As research continues to advance, new hope emerges for those affected by this challenging condition, underscoring the importance of ongoing education, advocacy, and support in the journey towards better health and quality of life.

How Is Aplastic Anemia Diagnosed?

Your doctor will diagnose aplastic anemia based on your medical and family histories, a physical exam, and test results.

Once your doctor knows the cause and severity of the condition, he or she can create a treatment plan for you.

Specialists Involved

If your primary care doctor thinks you have aplastic anemia, he or she may refer you to a hematologist. A hematologist is a doctor who specializes in treating blood diseases and disorders.

Medical and Family Histories

Your doctor may ask questions about your medical history, such as whether:

• You’ve had anemia or a condition that can cause anemia
• You have shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, or other signs and symptoms of anemia
• You’ve been exposed to certain toxins or medicines
• You’ve had radiation or chemotherapy (treatments for cancer)
• You’ve had infections or signs of infections, such as fever
• You bruise or bleed easily

Your doctor also may ask whether any of your family members have had anemia or other blood disorders.

Physical Exam

Your doctor will do a physical exam to check for signs of aplastic anemia. He or she will try to find out how severe the disorder is and what’s causing it.

The exam may include checking for pale or yellowish skin and signs of bleeding or infection. Your doctor may listen to your heart and lungs for abnormal heartbeats and breathing sounds. He or she also may feel your abdomen to check the size of your liver and feel your legs for swelling.

Diagnostic Tests

Many tests are used to diagnose aplastic anemia. These tests help:

• Confirm a diagnosis of aplastic anemia, look for its cause, and find out how severe it is
• Rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms
• Check for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)

Complete Blood Count

Often, the first test used to diagnose aplastic anemia is a complete blood count (CBC). The CBC measures many parts of your blood.

This test checks your hemoglobin and hematocrit (hee-MAT-oh-crit) levels. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in red blood cells. It carries oxygen to the body. Hematocrit is a measure of how much space red blood cells take up in your blood. A low level of hemoglobin or hematocrit is a sign of anemia.

The normal range of these levels varies in certain racial and ethnic populations. Your doctor can explain your test results to you.

The CBC also checks the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood. Abnormal results may be a sign of aplastic anemia, an infection, or another condition.

Finally, the CBC looks at mean corpuscular (kor-PUS-kyu-lar) volume (MCV). MCV is a measure of the average size of your red blood cells. The results may be a clue as to the cause of your anemia.

Reticulocyte Count

A reticulocyte (re-TIK-u-lo-site) count measures the number of young red blood cells in your blood. The test shows whether your bone marrow is making red blood cells at the correct rate. People who have aplastic anemia have low reticulocyte levels.

Bone Marrow Tests

Bone marrow tests show whether your bone marrow is healthy and making enough blood cells. The two bone marrow tests are aspiration (as-pi-RA-shun) and biopsy.

Bone marrow aspiration may be done to find out if and why your bone marrow isn’t making enough blood cells. For this test, your doctor removes a small amount of bone marrow fluid through a needle. The sample is looked at under a microscope to check for faulty cells.

A bone marrow biopsy may be done at the same time as an aspiration or afterward. For this test, your doctor removes a small amount of bone marrow tissue through a needle.

The tissue is checked for the number and types of cells in the bone marrow. In aplastic anemia, the bone marrow has a lower than normal number of all three types of blood cells.

Other Tests

Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of aplastic anemia. Thus, other tests may be needed to rule out those conditions. These tests may include:

• X ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, or an ultrasound imaging test. These tests can show enlarged lymph nodes in your abdomen. Enlarged lymph nodes may be a sign of blood cancer. Doctors also may use these tests to look at the kidneys and the bones in the arms and hands, which are sometimes abnormal in young people who have Fanconi anemia. This type of anemia can lead to aplastic anemia.
• Chest x ray. This test creates pictures of the structures inside your chest, such as your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. A chest x ray may be used to rule out infections.
• Liver tests and viral studies. These tests are used to check for liver diseases and viruses.
• Tests that check vitamin B12 and folate levels in the blood. These tests can help rule out anemia caused by vitamin deficiency.

Your doctor also may recommend blood tests for PNH and to check your immune system for proteins called antibodies. (Antibodies in the immune system that attack your bone marrow cells may cause aplastic anemia.)

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health.

What are the symptoms of low blood counts?

3. What are the symptoms of low blood counts?

The symptoms of bone marrow failure diseases like Most scientists believe that aplastic anemia happens when the immune system attacks the bone marrow stem cells. Aplastic anemia can be acquired (begin any time in life) or can be hereditary (less common, passed down from parent to child). ”>aplastic anemia, MDS and PNH are caused by low blood counts. The specific symptoms depend on which type of blood cell is affected. Read the section below to see the symptoms for each type of cell.

You may have many of these symptoms or just one or two of them. And you may get a new symptom at any point in the course of your illness.

Low Red Blood Cell Count

A low red blood cell count is called anemia. If you have a low red blood cell count, you may:

• Feel a little tired or very tired.
• Feel less alert or have trouble concentrating.
• Have a loss of appetite or lose weight.
• Have paler-than-normal skin.
• Have trouble breathing.
• Have rapid heartbeat.
• Have reduced ability to exercise or climb stairs.

Low White Blood Cell Count

A low white blood cell count is called neutropenia. If you have a low white blood cell count, you may:

• Have repeated fevers and infections.
• Get bladder infections that may make it painful to pass urine, or make you urinate more often.
• Get lung infections that cause coughing and difficulty breathing.
• Get mouth sores.
• Get sinus infections and a stuffy nose.
• Get skin infections.

Low Platelet Count

A low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. If you have a low platelet count, you may:

• Bruise or bleed more easily – even from minor scrapes and bumps.
• Get heavy menstrual periods.
• Get nose bleeds.
• Get tiny, flat red spots under your skin, which are caused by bleeding. These spots are called petechiae.
• Have bleeding gums, especially after dental work or from brushing your teeth. Check with your doctor before getting any dental work.

FAQ Category: 

Blood and Bone Marrow Basics

prices for treatment and diagnostics at the medical center “TN-CLINIC”

Women have iron deficiency throughout their lives . During each menstruation, during periods of pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, a woman’s body consumes a large amount of iron, and its reserves are almost completely depleted. This is dangerous, since it is iron in the composition of blood hemoglobin that binds oxygen and delivers it to all tissues of the body: with its small amounts, the organs lack oxygen and cannot work normally. This causes the development of various deviations.

Iron in the body is found in various forms: as part of hemoglobin, bound to blood plasma proteins, “reserve” in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and in other forms. If the bulk of the iron is used up, it can be very difficult to restore it. With age, the deficiency increases – up to 40-45 years due to menstruation, and on the threshold of menopause, increasing iron deficiency is not associated with blood loss, but with nutrition that contains little iron.

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia

• Weakness.
• Dizziness and tinnitus.
• Decreased performance and fatigue.
• Heartbeat.
• Lowering blood pressure.
• Paleness and dryness of the skin, increased fragility of hair and nails.
• Irritability and nervousness.
• Urinary incontinence.

Diagnosis of anemia

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a complex protein, a component of red blood cells, involved in the transport of oxygen.

Norm for women: 120-140 g / l.

Anemia: mild degree 119-90 g/l, moderate degree 89-70 g/l, severe degree less than 70 g/l.

At the beginning of the development of the disease, hemoglobin may be within the normal range, with severe iron deficiency anemia, the indicator is always reduced.

It is mistakenly considered that the main indicator is iron deficiency anemia is a reduced level of hemoglobin in erythrocytes, but for an accurate diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia , it is necessary to determine several more indicators – at least serum iron and ferritin.

Red blood cell count

Erythrocytes are blood cells that contain hemoglobin.

Norm for women: 3.8-4.5 * 10 ¹²
/ l.

Anemia: less than 3.8 * 10 ¹² /l.

With iron deficiency anemia the number of erythrocytes may be slightly or greatly reduced.

Hematocrit

Hematocrit is the ratio of blood cells to total blood volume.

Norm for women: 36-46%.

Anemia: less than 36%.

In iron deficiency anemia, the hematocrit is usually reduced.

Serum iron

Serum iron reflects the amount of iron that is not included in hemoglobin and not in the tissues.

The norm for women: 12-25 µmol / l.

Anemia: less than 12 µmol/L.

In iron deficiency anemia, serum iron levels are low.

Ferritin

Ferritin is a complex protein, a form of iron storage in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, the indicator reflects the iron stores in the body.

Norm for women: 15-150 mcg / l.

Anemia: less than 10 mcg / l.

A low reading indicates iron depletion

Treatment of anemia

The diagnosis “ iron deficiency anemia ” is based on the results of laboratory tests. Even small deviations from the norm require treatment – the appointment of special medications containing iron. The foods that we eat daily contain little iron, which is well absorbed in the digestive tract. Medicines are needed for quick elimination iron deficiency and the creation of its reserves in the body.

Iron deficiency anemia: when should it be treated?

In the treatment of iron deficiency anemia, the doctors of the TN-Clinic use proven and most modern treatment methods that comply with international standards of therapy: drugs are prescribed to normalize hemoglobin and form iron stores in the body. It is worth noting that the problem is not solved in a short time, it is necessary to conduct the main and supporting courses. The main thing is to strictly adhere to the prescriptions prescribed by the doctor and not interrupt the treatment.

As the body is saturated with iron, metabolic processes normalize and unpleasant symptoms gradually decrease: weakness and headaches cease to bother, hair loss stops, skin color becomes normal.

! It is worth noting that the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are similar to some manifestations of menopause, they can exacerbate each other: headaches, tachycardia (heart palpitations), weakness and fatigue. Taking the right iron-containing medication can significantly improve a woman’s condition during menopause, as half of the symptoms go away.

Doctors of the TN-Clinic can correctly assess the symptoms that bother a woman, associate them with the manifestations of menopause and find the true cause of the ailment. Our specialists use proven methods that give good results in the expected time frame – unpleasant manifestations go away and the woman’s condition improves. The normal condition of hair and nails is restored, healthy skin color returns, the woman forgets about headaches, tachycardia and increased nervousness. The treatment prescribed by the doctors of the TN-Clinic helps to solve the problem from the inside, which means to maintain health and beauty for a long time!

VIDEO: Ph.D. D.K. Gadiyeva, general practitioner cardiologist: about iron deficiency conditions and their diagnosis and treatment in the TN-Clinic

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How to raise hemoglobin after chemotherapy at the Doctor Nearby clinic in Moscow and the Moscow region

One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy is anemia. As a result of treatment with chemotherapy drugs, patients often have a decrease in hemoglobin levels and the number of red blood cells in the blood. Fortunately, the causes of anemia after chemotherapy and how to treat it are well understood.

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells. It is necessary for the body to transport oxygen to all cells of the body and remove carbon dioxide from them. A low level of hemoglobin in the blood is dangerous for the occurrence of oxygen starvation.

The reasons for the decrease in hemoglobin can be different: a side effect of chemotherapy, the disease itself, the wrong dosage of chemotherapy drugs, etc. Before you start increasing hemoglobin, you need to find out the reason for its decrease.

First you need to determine the actual level of hemoglobin. This can be done with a complete blood count.

Reasons

Among the main reasons for the decrease in hemoglobin are:

• lack of iron and vitamins;
• bleeding in the tumor;
• enlarged spleen;
• lack of substances that stimulate hematopoiesis;
• chronic anemia, etc.

More often, reduced hemoglobin is observed in cancer of the lungs, pelvic organs, and lymphomas. Most patients with these diseases require a blood transfusion. The most dramatic decrease in hemoglobin is observed in metastases.

Why is there a decrease in hemoglobin during chemotherapy? The thing is that the drugs injected into the patient’s body destroy the cells of the red bone marrow, and they are necessary for the production of erythropoietin. Statistics show that hemoglobin is reduced in more than 40% of cancer patients. After chemotherapy, this figure increases to 54%.

Symptoms

Each patient with low hemoglobin has different symptoms. It depends on its physiological characteristics, the stage of development of the disease, the dosage of drugs, gender, age, etc. The well-being of older people, as a rule, is somewhat worse than that of younger patients.

The main symptoms are:

• dizziness;
• pale skin;
• weakness;
• dyspnea;
• chest pain;
• puffiness;
• palpitations, etc.

In order to determine the true cause of the decrease in hemoglobin levels, it is necessary to conduct additional examinations.

How to increase hemoglobin after chemotherapy

It is important to remember that the effectiveness of chemotherapy with an insufficient amount of hemoglobin is reduced. In order for chemotherapy to be truly effective, it is necessary to monitor the level of hemoglobin constantly.

First of all, you need to find out the real reason for the decrease in hemoglobin. To do this, the doctor prescribes a series of additional examinations to the patient, in which he assesses the level of vitamins and iron in the blood.

If complications of chemotherapy are the cause, then it makes sense to reconsider the order of therapy and change the dosage of the drug (or the drug itself). Here it is important to carefully monitor changes in the patient’s well-being, because changes in the therapy regimen can affect the state of the body both positively and negatively.

If the patient is mildly anemic, hemoglobin adjustment during chemotherapy may not be necessary. How to increase hemoglobin after chemotherapy, if there is a slight decrease? It will be enough to slightly adjust the diet and lifestyle. Iron-rich foods will help raise hemoglobin after chemotherapy: red meat, cereals, dried apricots, etc. It is more difficult for women to get iron from food, so the doctor may additionally prescribe iron-containing drugs.

In case of acute or severe anemia, red cell transfusion may be required. Such a procedure allows you to quickly replenish the missing blood elements and eliminate oxygen starvation of tissues and organs. This is a serious procedure that requires careful preparation and preliminary examination. Blood transfusion for the treatment of anemia is prescribed only for special indications: rapid blood loss, circulatory disorders, etc.

In some cases, increasing the intake of iron supplements and B vitamins is sufficient to increase hemoglobin levels. Iron supplements given intravenously can help to quickly increase hemoglobin after chemotherapy. Erythropoietin preparations can also be used to treat anemia. It is an analogue of a hormone produced by the kidneys.