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By Nurse Diane
Aplastic anemia is a rare disease which affects only 1-3
people per one million in America each year. Approximately 300-600 new cases of
the disease are diagnosed annually and it can happen to people of all ages and
race. The most common causes of aplastic
anemia are believed to be drugs, viral infections, and environmental
pollutants, though more studies are needed to determine precise causes and
increased risk factors. Aplastic anemia is a medical condition in which bone
marrow is unable to produce new cells to replace old blood cells.
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The acronym “MDS” classifies several different types of
bone marrow syndromes, which typically occur in people over the age of 50 years
old. Myelodysplastic syndrome is rarely believed to be inherited and is of unknown
etiology. There are two classifications
of MDS:
- Chronic and non-progressive anemia: blood cell counts are lower without the presence of leukemic blast cells (cancer)
- Progressive and symptomatic blood cell abnormalities: there are cancer cells in the bone marrow
(When a person has a
higher than 20% counts of leukemic cells in the blood, the diagnosis of blood
cancer is made and the condition is called acute myelogenous leukemia.)
As with any serious or chronic disease, a person with
aplastic anemia will need to do several things in order to improve their
long-term prognosis. Becoming educated about the disease will help a person
make informed treatment decisions and asking questions will promote a better
understanding of the condition.
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Each year, in the first week of December (1st through
7th) the nation observes the disease of aplastic anemia. The Aplastic Anemia
and MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome)
International Foundation passes out informational pamphlets and literature in
order to raise public awareness of the disease and to help those who suffer
from the condition. The best thing a
person can do is to follow a proper diet, get adequate rest and adhere to the
recommendations of the treating physician in order to achieve the best possible
outcome.
For more information view this site: http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/National_Aplastic_Anemia_and_MDS_Awareness_Week_a1085.html
or visit the Aplastic Anemia and MDS
International Foundation http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/Aplastic_Anemia_and_MDS__Causes__Symptoms__Treatment_a1084.html
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