Aplastic Anemia is one of the many blood disorders that we treat with blood and marrow transplant at University of Minnesota Medical Center.

Aplastic anemia is a rare, but serious disorder. In the United States, about 500-1,000 people develop this type of anemia each year. The disorder is two to three times more common in Asian countries. In more than half of the people who have aplastic anemia, the cause is unknown.

The term "anemia" usually refers to a condition in which your blood has a lower than normal number of red blood cells. Anemia also can occur if your red blood cells don't contain enough hemoglobin. This iron-rich protein helps carry oxygen to your body. In people who have aplastic anemia, the body doesn't make enough red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. This is because the bone marrow's stem cells are damaged.

Aplastic anemia can develop suddenly or slowly. It tends to get worse over time, unless doctors can determine and treat its cause. With prompt and proper care, many people who have aplastic anemia can be successfully treated. Treatments for aplastic anemia include blood transfusions, blood and marrow stem cell transplants, and medicines.