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. A physical examination reveals an enlarged spleen , tenderness of the sternum, and irregular heart rate . 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.