Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) or erythroblastopenia refers to a type of
aplastic anemia affecting the precursors to
red blood cells but usually not to
white blood cells. In PRCA, the
bone marrow ceases to produce red blood cells. There are multiple etiologies that can cause PRCA. The condition has been first described by
Paul Kaznelson in 1922.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms may include:
* Pale appearance
* Rapid heart rate
* Fatigue
Causes
Causes of PRCA include:
Diagnosis
Treatment
PRCA is considered an
autoimmune disease as it will respond to
immunosuppressant treatment such as
cyclosporin in many patients,
though this approach is not without risk.
It has also been shown to respond to treatments with
rituximab
Rituximab, sold under the brand name Rituxan among others, is a monoclonal antibody medication used to treat certain autoimmune diseases and types of cancer. It is used for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (in children and ad ...
and
tacrolimus
Tacrolimus, sold under the brand name Prograf among others, is an immunosuppressive drug. After Allotransplantation, allogenic organ transplant, the risk of organ Transplant rejection, rejection is moderate. To lower the risk of organ rejectio ...
.
For cases related to B19 parvovirus, administration of commercial immunoglobulin can treat or cure parvovirus by replacing neutralizing antibodies.
[National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2003). Nord Guide to Rare Disorders. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ]
See also
*
Diamond–Blackfan anemia (genetic red cell aplasia)
*
Aplastic anemia (aplasia affecting other bone marrow cells as well)
References
External links
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pure Red Cell Aplasia
Aplastic anemias