Pure red cell aplasia: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Pure red cell aplasia
| image          = [[File:Red_White_Blood_cells.jpg|250px]]
| caption        = Blood smear showing red and white blood cells
| field          = [[Hematology]]
| symptoms        = [[Anemia]], [[fatigue]], [[pallor]], [[shortness of breath]]
| complications  = [[Heart failure]], [[angina]], [[infections]]
| onset          = Any age
| duration        = Chronic or acute
| causes          = [[Autoimmune disease]], [[thymoma]], [[viral infections]] (e.g., [[parvovirus B19]]), [[medications]]
| risks          = [[Thymoma]], [[autoimmune disorders]], [[immunosuppression]]
| diagnosis      = [[Blood test]], [[bone marrow biopsy]]
| differential    = [[Aplastic anemia]], [[myelodysplastic syndrome]], [[hemolytic anemia]]
| treatment      = [[Immunosuppressive therapy]], [[blood transfusion]], [[thymectomy]]
| prognosis      = Variable, depending on cause and treatment
| frequency      = Rare
}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Pure Red Cell Aplasia}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Pure Red Cell Aplasia}}
== Pure Red Cell Aplasia ==
[[File:Red White Blood cells.jpg|thumb|right|Red and white blood cells under a microscope.]]
'''Pure Red Cell Aplasia''' (PRCA) is a rare disorder characterized by a severe reduction in the production of [[red blood cells]] (RBCs) by the [[bone marrow]]. This condition results in [[anemia]], which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath.
'''Pure Red Cell Aplasia''' (PRCA) is a rare disorder characterized by a severe reduction in the production of [[red blood cells]] (RBCs) by the [[bone marrow]]. This condition results in [[anemia]], which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath.
== Pathophysiology ==
== Pathophysiology ==
PRCA is primarily a disorder of the [[bone marrow]], where the production of red blood cells is selectively inhibited. The [[bone marrow]] normally produces [[erythrocytes]] from [[hematopoietic stem cells]] through a process called [[erythropoiesis]]. In PRCA, this process is disrupted, leading to a marked decrease in the number of [[reticulocytes]] and mature red blood cells in the [[peripheral blood]].
PRCA is primarily a disorder of the [[bone marrow]], where the production of red blood cells is selectively inhibited. The [[bone marrow]] normally produces [[erythrocytes]] from [[hematopoietic stem cells]] through a process called [[erythropoiesis]]. In PRCA, this process is disrupted, leading to a marked decrease in the number of [[reticulocytes]] and mature red blood cells in the [[peripheral blood]].
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
PRCA can be classified into congenital and acquired forms:
PRCA can be classified into congenital and acquired forms:
* '''Congenital PRCA''': The most well-known form is [[Diamond-Blackfan anemia]], a rare genetic disorder that presents in infancy or early childhood.
* '''Congenital PRCA''': The most well-known form is [[Diamond-Blackfan anemia]], a rare genetic disorder that presents in infancy or early childhood.
* '''Acquired PRCA''': This form can be caused by various factors, including:
* '''Acquired PRCA''': This form can be caused by various factors, including:
   * [[Autoimmune disorders]] such as [[systemic lupus erythematosus]].
   * [[Autoimmune disorders]] such as [[systemic lupus erythematosus]].
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   * [[Thymoma]], a tumor of the [[thymus gland]].
   * [[Thymoma]], a tumor of the [[thymus gland]].
   * Certain [[medications]] and [[chemotherapy]] agents.
   * Certain [[medications]] and [[chemotherapy]] agents.
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
The diagnosis of PRCA involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and bone marrow examination. Key diagnostic features include:
The diagnosis of PRCA involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and bone marrow examination. Key diagnostic features include:
* Severe [[anemia]] with low [[reticulocyte]] count.
* Severe [[anemia]] with low [[reticulocyte]] count.
* Normal [[white blood cell]] and [[platelet]] counts.
* Normal [[white blood cell]] and [[platelet]] counts.
* Bone marrow biopsy showing a marked reduction or absence of erythroid precursors.
* Bone marrow biopsy showing a marked reduction or absence of erythroid precursors.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
The treatment of PRCA depends on the underlying cause:
The treatment of PRCA depends on the underlying cause:
* For autoimmune PRCA, [[immunosuppressive therapy]] with drugs such as [[corticosteroids]] or [[cyclosporine]] may be effective.
* For autoimmune PRCA, [[immunosuppressive therapy]] with drugs such as [[corticosteroids]] or [[cyclosporine]] may be effective.
* In cases associated with [[thymoma]], surgical removal of the tumor can lead to improvement.
* In cases associated with [[thymoma]], surgical removal of the tumor can lead to improvement.
* For PRCA caused by [[parvovirus B19]], [[intravenous immunoglobulin]] (IVIG) therapy may be used.
* For PRCA caused by [[parvovirus B19]], [[intravenous immunoglobulin]] (IVIG) therapy may be used.
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis of PRCA varies depending on the cause and response to treatment. Some patients may achieve complete remission, while others may require long-term management.
The prognosis of PRCA varies depending on the cause and response to treatment. Some patients may achieve complete remission, while others may require long-term management.
 
== See also ==
== Related pages ==
* [[Anemia]]
* [[Anemia]]
* [[Bone marrow]]
* [[Bone marrow]]
* [[Erythropoiesis]]
* [[Erythropoiesis]]
* [[Hematopoietic stem cell]]
* [[Hematopoietic stem cell]]
[[Category:Hematology]]
[[Category:Hematology]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]

Latest revision as of 15:35, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Pure red cell aplasia
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Anemia, fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath
Complications Heart failure, angina, infections
Onset Any age
Duration Chronic or acute
Types N/A
Causes Autoimmune disease, thymoma, viral infections (e.g., parvovirus B19), medications
Risks Thymoma, autoimmune disorders, immunosuppression
Diagnosis Blood test, bone marrow biopsy
Differential diagnosis Aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, hemolytic anemia
Prevention N/A
Treatment Immunosuppressive therapy, blood transfusion, thymectomy
Medication N/A
Prognosis Variable, depending on cause and treatment
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA) is a rare disorder characterized by a severe reduction in the production of red blood cells (RBCs) by the bone marrow. This condition results in anemia, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath.

Pathophysiology[edit]

PRCA is primarily a disorder of the bone marrow, where the production of red blood cells is selectively inhibited. The bone marrow normally produces erythrocytes from hematopoietic stem cells through a process called erythropoiesis. In PRCA, this process is disrupted, leading to a marked decrease in the number of reticulocytes and mature red blood cells in the peripheral blood.

Causes[edit]

PRCA can be classified into congenital and acquired forms:

  • Congenital PRCA: The most well-known form is Diamond-Blackfan anemia, a rare genetic disorder that presents in infancy or early childhood.
  • Acquired PRCA: This form can be caused by various factors, including:
 * Autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
 * Viral infections, particularly parvovirus B19.
 * Thymoma, a tumor of the thymus gland.
 * Certain medications and chemotherapy agents.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of PRCA involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and bone marrow examination. Key diagnostic features include:

Treatment[edit]

The treatment of PRCA depends on the underlying cause:

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis of PRCA varies depending on the cause and response to treatment. Some patients may achieve complete remission, while others may require long-term management.

See also[edit]