Anemia

Anemia

Anemia is a condition of the blood characterized by too few red blood cells to support normal physiology. Anemia (AmE) or anaemia (BrE), from the Greek (Ἀναιμία) meaning "without blood", refers to a deficiency of red blood cells (RBCs) and/or hemoglobin. Homeostasis dictates that red cell production and destruction are usually balanced in an organism. Anemias are caused by either excess red cell destruction, or underproduction of red cells. Reduction in the red blood cell content of blood can have a wide range of clinical consequences, from no noticeable symptoms for gradual-onset anemia, to cardiovascular collapse and death from rapid, profound reductions, such as seen in bleeding. Hemoglobin is the pigmented protein in blood that carries oxygen; reductions in blood hemoglobin concentrations in anemia can lead to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues.

Underproduction anemias (hypoproliferative)

Aplastic anemia

Drugs, Radiation, Infections, Immune, Idiopathic

Drugs that cause aplastic probably are indirectly causing through immune response. Radiation is a direct cause. Infections like T.B. can cause aplastic anemia. If you had TB and aplastic anemia one would probably treat with immune suppression and addition to TB regimen. If you miss the underlying cause and treat with only immune suppression, you will kill the patient (faster?). (Debating whether to insert a famous example of a famous patient who died of this)