Visiting Dana-Farber? See our prescreening and mask requirements.
Please note that some translations using Google Translate may not be accurately represented and downloaded documents cannot be translated. Dana-Farber assumes no liability for inaccuracies that may result from using this third-party tool, which is for website translation and not clinical interactions. You may request a live medical interpreter for a discussion about your care.
The bone marrow produces all blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells contain the protein hemoglobin that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues. White blood cells fight infection. Platelets are important for blood to clot.
Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow produces too few of these cells. Too few red blood cells lead to a decrease in hemoglobin and symptoms of fatigue. A reduced number of neutrophils (a major type of white blood cell important for defense against bacterial and fungal infections) increase susceptibility to infection. Too few platelets lead to increased risk of bleeding or bruising.
Children and young adults with aplastic anemia are treated at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's through our Bone Marrow Failure and Myelodysplastic Syndrome Program, recognized as one of the nation's best pediatric treatment and research programs for bone marrow failure and related conditions. Our patients have access to advanced treatments and diagnosis, including DNA mutation identification and ongoing clinical trials investigating new treatments. Dana-Farber/Boston Children's is also home to one of the largest and most experienced pediatric stem cell transplant centers in the world. Stem cell (bone marrow) transplant is currently the only cure for aplastic anemia.
Learn more
Find more in-depth information on aplastic anemia on the Boston Children's Hospital website, including answers to:
New Patient Appointments 857-215-1312