Acquired pure red cell aplasia in a child

J Postgrad Med. 2002 Jan-Mar;48(1):37-8.

Abstract

Primary acquired pure red cell aplasia is a rare occurrence in childhood. An eleven-year old boy presented to us with pallor, which required multiple packed red cell transfusions. He did not have hepatosplenomegaly, jaundice or lymphadenopathy. Bone marrow examination revealed the diagnosis of pure red cell aplasia. All possible investigations were done to exclude secondary causes of pure red cell aplasia. No secondary cause was found on investigations. Rheumatoid factor and anti-nuclear antibodies were positive. He was started on oral steroids, to which he did not respond. He was then given cyclosporine A. Response to cyclosporine was dramatic and the child now does not require any transfusions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blood Transfusion
  • Bone Marrow / pathology*
  • Child
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use*
  • Hemoglobins / analysis
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure / diagnosis
  • Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Hemoglobins
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclosporine