Bone marrow progenitor cells known as megakaryocytes produce platelets, which trigger clotting, and thus help stop the blood flow when a wound occurs.
It is linked to hyperpigmentation, which is the darkening of an area of skin or nails caused by increased melanin, though in about 30% of FA patients no physical abnormalities are found.
Individuals with this disorder usually show changes in skin pigmentations, unusual fingernail growth, and mucosa leukoplakia; the inner part of the mouth is encased with white patches.
Bone marrow examination is required to assess erythroid, myeloid and megakaryocytic precursors, identify genetic abnormalities, and rule out other entities such as leukemia.
[12] For those with severe bone marrow failure, the cumulative incidence of resulting stem cell transplantation or death was greater than 70% by individuals 60 years of age.
[15] While acquired aplastic anemia with an unknown cause is rare, it is commonly permanent and life-threatening as half of those with this condition die within the first six months.
[10] The prevalence of bone marrow failure is over three times higher in Japan and East Asia than in the United States and Europe.
Depending on severity, aplastic anemia may be treated with T-cell suppression in the form of cyclosporine and anti-thymocyte globulin, or may require hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.