Very Severe Aplastic Anemia (VSAA) is a rare and serious blood disorder in which the bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This condition can be caused by factors such as autoimmune diseases, exposure to toxic chemicals, certain medications, radiation, and viral infections. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, frequent infections, and easy bruising or bleeding. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy, which reveal a deficiency in the production of blood cells.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation is a treatment option for patients with VSAA, involving the transplantation of healthy stem cells from a compatible donor. This procedure aims to restore the bone marrow’s ability to produce healthy blood cells. Before the transplant, patients undergo a conditioning regimen that may include chemotherapy and/or radiation to destroy the diseased bone marrow and suppress the immune system to prevent rejection of the donor cells. During the transplantation, stem cells are infused into the patient’s bloodstream, where they migrate to the bone marrow and begin producing new blood cells. The success of the transplant depends on factors such as donor-recipient compatibility, the patient’s health, and the management of potential complications like infections and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Despite these risks, allogeneic stem cell transplantation offers a potential cure for VSAA and significantly improves long-term survival rates for many patients.
Mr. Mujamil Hoque from Guwahati successfully underwent Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Very Severe Aplastic Anemia (VSAA) at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, under the supervision of Dr. Ganesh Jaishetwar, Sr. Consultant Hematologist, Hemato-Oncologist & Bone Marrow Transplant Physician.