Erythroid hypoplasia is a condition in which an abnormally low number of red blood cells are produced and released into the body. There are a number of different conditions that can cause this disorder, some of them congenital and others caused by disease or injury. Patients with this condition may have moderate to severe anemia and may be at risk for lack of oxygen in the blood and cells. Blood transfusions are often used to treat this disorder in an emergency. In some patients, erythroid hypoplasia may need long-term treatment through the use of blood transfusions, while in other cases the disorder may correct itself or with the help of medication.
A patient with erythroid hypoplasia may have a mild, moderate, or severe form of the disorder. In the most severe cases, the patient does not produce new red blood cells in the bone marrow, and the condition is known as erythroid aplasia. Mild cases of this disorder can significantly lower the level of red blood cells in the body, but may not cause serious symptoms. Severe cases may require emergency intervention.
The symptoms of erythroid hypoplasia are the same as those experienced with other types of anemia. Unexplained fatigue is the most common symptom because decreased oxygen in the blood makes it difficult for the body and brain to get enough oxygen. Feelings of breathlessness are also commonly experienced with erythroid hypoplasia, as are feelings of lightheadedness or fainting. Patients with low red blood cell counts may also appear pale.
There are a variety of causes of erythroid hypoplasia. Newborns with hematopoietic stem cell disorders may not be able to make enough red blood cells. Bone marrow cancer is another condition that can lead to erythroid hypoplasia.
Patients with severe erythroid hypoplasia may require emergency medical attention. A severe drop in the number of red blood cells in a patient's bloodstream can cause the patient to lose consciousness and suffer brain damage. An emergency transfusion can relieve the symptoms of severe anemia. However, in some cases, patients may have sustained irreversible damage to their hematopoietic stem cells, in which case frequent blood or marrow treatments may be needed to prevent the patient from showing symptoms of erythroid hypoplasia. In other cases, medication that stimulates red blood cell production may be enough to correct the disorder.