Pure red cell aplasia--a rare disease with multiple causes.
Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a relatively rare disease although multiple factors are implied in the pathogenesis of its development. A slow progressive normocytic-normochromic anemia and reticulocytopenia, without leukopenia and thrombocytopenia in a patient who, except pallor, does not show abnormal findings on physical examination, should arise the suspicion that he has PRCA. Search for underlying diseases or infections and intake of drugs may help for the establishment of the diagnosis of acquired PRCA. Lack of erythroblasts in the bone marrow with normal development of the other hemopoietic series, as well as high level of serum erythropoietin are important clues for the diagnosis. Elimination of potentially causative factors, administration of immunosuppressive agents and/or recombinant erythropoietin, preferably epoetin beta, may induce remission and complete recovery.
Research Laboratory Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Golda Campus, 7, Keren Kayemet Street, Petah Tiqva, The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel. meird@clalit.org.il
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Djaldetti
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Blay
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Bergman
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Salman
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Bessler
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012010:Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure / Q000151:congenital / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin