Causes of other types of aplastic anemia may be chemotherapy , radiation therapy , toxins , drugs, pregnancy , congenital disorder, or systemic lupus erythematosus . Symptoms arise as the consequence of bone marrow failure. Low white blood cell counts, or neutropenia, causes an increased risk of infection. Low platelet counts, or thrombocytopenia , results in bleeding of mucus membranes and skin. The disease may be acute or chronic , and is always progressive.
Risk factors are unknown.
The incidence is 2 out of 1 million people. Blood transfusions and platelet transfusions help correct the abnormal blood counts and relieve some symptoms. Severe aplastic anemia, as evidenced by very low blood cell counts, is a life-threatening condition. Bone marrow transplant for people 30 and under is indicated for severe disease. ATG is a horse serum that contains antibodies against human T cells and is used in an attempt to suppress the body's immune system, allowing the bone marrow to resume its blood cell generating function.