Idiopathic aplastic anemia is a type of anemia in which your bone marrow stops making new blood cells. Idiopathic means there is no known cause.

Anemia is a condition in which you don’t have enough functioning red blood cells (RBCs).

RBCs contain a protein called hemoglobin, which helps transfer oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body, such as organs and tissues. Hemoglobin is necessary for efficient oxygen transport.

There are several different types of anemia. Aplastic anemia starts with a bone marrow problem, usually due to injury or an autoimmune condition.

In idiopathic aplastic anemia, however, the underlying cause is not known. Experts estimate that more than 6 out of 10 cases of aplastic anemia are idiopathic, making it the most common “cause.”

Idiopathic aplastic anemia is a rare health condition, but it can be fatal if left untreated.

Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of idiopathic aplastic anemia.

The symptoms of idiopathic aplastic anemia are similar to those of general anemia. Some possible symptoms may include:

It’s important to note that many people may have anemia but not experience any symptoms until their hemoglobin levels drop below 7 grams per deciliter (g/dL).

As such, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if you experience any symptoms.

Aplastic anemia is caused by damage to the bone marrow. Stem cells in the marrow normally make blood cells, including:

This process is disrupted in people with aplastic anemia. Stem cells are damaged and too few blood cells are made.

Numerous conditions can damage your bone marrow. In people with idiopathic aplastic anemia, the cause of that damage is often unknown and several factors have been linked to it.

Some experts believe that aplastic anemia may be an autoimmune condition. In autoimmune diseases, the body mistakes its own healthy cells for a foreign invader, like an infection, and attacks them.

Other possible causes of aplastic anemia may include:

  • taking certain drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and antibiotics
  • being exposed to toxic environmental chemicals
  • being exposed to radiation or chemotherapy for cancer treatment
  • having a viral infection, such as hepatitis
  • being pregnant

Although rare, aplastic anemia can also be inherited.

All types of anemia are first diagnosed with a blood test. A complete blood count (CBC) will show if you have low levels of RBCs, WBCs, or platelets.

Blood tests can also indicate whether your bone marrow is hypocellular, which means you have fewer hematopoietic cells in your bone marrow compared to fat. Bone marrow cellularity of 30% or less is a sign of aplastic anemia.

If a doctor suspects aplastic anemia, they will most likely order a bone marrow biopsy. A needle will be inserted into your hip bone to collect the marrow. The sample will be examined to see how many stem cells are present.

Your doctor will classify idiopathic aplastic anemia as acute or chronic. Acute cases come on suddenly and are quite severe. Chronic cases develop more slowly, but are just as difficult to treat.

Idiopathic aplastic anemia is most commonly diagnosed in people ages 20 to 40 years.

The first-line treatment for aplastic anemia is to treat the underlying cause. For idiopathic aplastic anemia, however, this is more difficult because the underlying cause is unknown.

Treatment will depend on several factors, such as your age, health condition, and disease severity.

Experts recommend that people age 40 years or younger get a bone marrow transplant, especially if they have a sibling donor. During a bone marrow transplant, a doctor will replace your dead bone marrow stems with healthy ones from a donor.

If you can’t have a bone marrow transplant or are waiting to have one, a doctor may recommend immunosuppressive therapy to help slow down your immune system.

Immunosuppressive drugs are effective in two-thirds of people with idiopathic aplastic anemia.

How much does treatment cost for aplastic anemia?

The exact cost of treatment for aplastic anemia will depend on many factors, such as the underlying cause and severity of your condition, your age, and whether you have medical insurance.

A 2022 research review found that the average cost for aplastic anemia was:

  • Children: $18,029
  • 21 years and older: $979 to $23,351

The most expensive part of the treatment was prescription medications.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing complications associated with idiopathic aplastic anemia. In some cases, they could be fatal.

Complications may include:

  • adverse drug reactions
  • infections
  • severe bleeding
  • bone marrow transplant failure

Younger people have the best survival rates, as they generally respond well to treatment.

The life expectancy of idiopathic aplastic anemia depends on several factors, such as the severity of the condition and your age. However, receiving treatment is crucial for increasing your life expectancy.

Research suggests that more than 7 out of 10 people are alive 5 years after receiving a bone marrow transplant for aplastic anemia, while most people who don’t receive treatment die within 1 year of experiencing complications.

Idiopathic aplastic anemia is a type of blood condition characterized by a low red blood cell count.

Although there’s no known cause, treatments like bone marrow transplants and immunosuppressive therapy could help reduce the risk of developing complications.

Speak with a healthcare if you experience any symptoms. They could provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for you.