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Medical Investigation on TV

As seen on "Medical Investigation"
November 12, 2004 | Archive

Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia is a rare bone marrow disorder that results in abnormally low levels of all of the cellular elements in the blood, including red and white blood cells. Initial symptoms often include increasing weakness, fatigue, recurrent or persistent infections and/or bleeding, such as nosebleeds and bleeding gums.

In some cases, certain toxic agents (i.e., inorganic arsenic) or drugs (i.e, antibiotics used in livestock) may cause aplastic anemia, but in as many as half of all cases, the exact cause is unknown.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with aplastic anemia, you may be able to participate in a clinical trial evaluating a new immunosuppressive therapy. Hematologists are evaluating whether daclizumab, a genetically engineered human monoclonal antibody, can increase blood counts, reduce anemia symptoms, and/or reduce dependence on immunosuppressive medications and transfusions.

	More information about anemia
	More clinical trials for aplastic anemia

Bone Marrow Transplantation
Bone marrow is found in a soft fatty tissue inside bones. This is where blood cells (red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells) are produced and developed.

A bone marrow transplant is a procedure to transplant healthy bone marrow into a patient whose bone marrow is not functioning properly.

	Bone marrow transplant – from the medical encyclopedia
	More resources for bone marrow transplantation

NIH Research and You
The NIH funds clinical studies that provide experimental treatment for a wide range of diseases and disorders. To join a clinical trial, search for your condition at www.clinicaltrials.gov and ask your doctor to help you choose the study that's right for you.

For more information about clinical trials, call the NIH at 1-800-411-1222.

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the primary Federal agency that dispatches field investigators to resolve public health emergencies. CDC is NIH's sister agency under the Department of Health and Human Services.

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This page was last reviewed on November 15, 2004 .

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