About Pure Red Cell Aplasia, Acquired

What is Pure Red Cell Aplasia, Acquired?

Pure red cell aplasia, acquired (PRCA) is a rare disorder in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the bone marrow's red blood cell precursors, resulting in a severe decrease in red blood cell production. This can lead to anemia, fatigue, and other symptoms. PRCA is usually caused by an autoimmune reaction to a drug or infection, but can also be caused by certain types of cancer or other conditions. Treatment typically involves removing the underlying cause, if possible, and providing supportive care such as blood transfusions and medications to help the body produce red blood cells.

What are the symptoms of Pure Red Cell Aplasia, Acquired?

The main symptom of acquired pure red cell aplasia is anemia, which can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, dizziness, and an irregular heartbeat. Other symptoms may include an enlarged spleen, jaundice, and an increased risk of infection.

What are the causes of Pure Red Cell Aplasia, Acquired?

1. Autoimmune disorders: Pure red cell aplasia can be caused by an autoimmune disorder, in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy red blood cells.

2. Medications: Certain medications, such as anticonvulsants, antibiotics, and immunosuppressants, can cause pure red cell aplasia.

3. Infections: Viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and parvovirus, can cause pure red cell aplasia.

4. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy used to treat cancer can damage the bone marrow and lead to pure red cell aplasia.

5. Bone marrow disorders: Certain bone marrow disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndrome, can cause pure red cell aplasia.

What are the treatments for Pure Red Cell Aplasia, Acquired?

The treatment for acquired pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include:

1. Immunosuppressive therapy: This involves the use of medications such as corticosteroids, cyclosporine, or azathioprine to suppress the immune system and reduce the production of antibodies that are attacking the red blood cells.

2. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG): This involves the administration of antibodies to help the body recognize and destroy the antibodies that are attacking the red blood cells.

3. Blood transfusions: This involves the administration of red blood cells to replace those that are being destroyed by the body’s immune system.

4. Bone marrow transplant: This involves the transplantation of healthy bone marrow cells to replace the damaged bone marrow cells that are

What are the risk factors for Pure Red Cell Aplasia, Acquired?

The risk factors for Acquired Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA) include:

1. Exposure to certain medications, such as antithymocyte globulin (ATG), cyclosporine, and tacrolimus.

2. Exposure to certain viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and parvovirus B19.

3. Autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

4. Certain genetic disorders, such as Fanconi anemia and Diamond-Blackfan anemia.

5. Exposure to radiation.

6. Certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma and leukemia.

7. Certain types of infections

Is there a cure/medications for Pure Red Cell Aplasia, Acquired?

Yes, there are treatments available for acquired pure red cell aplasia. Treatment options include immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and azathioprine. In some cases, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasma exchange may be used. In severe cases, a bone marrow transplant may be necessary.