Pure red cell aplasia Pure red cell aplasia Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) or erythroblastopenia refers to a type of anemia affecting the precursors to red blood cells but not to white blood cells. In PRCA, the bone marrow ceases to produce red blood cells. There are multiple etiologies that can cause PRCA. The condition has been first described by Paul Kaznelson in 1922. Signs and symptoms may include: Causes of PRCA include: PRCA is considered an autoimmune disease as it will respond to immunosuppressant treatment such as cyclosporin in many patients, though this approach is not without risk. It has also been shown
Neonatal red cell transfusion Neonatal red cell transfusion Neonates are defined as babies up to 28 days after birth. Most extremely preterm babies (less than 28 weeks) require at least one red cell transfusion, this is partly due to the amount of blood removed with blood samples compared to the baby's total blood volume (iatrogenic anemia) and partly due to anemia of prematurity. Most transfusions are given as small volume top-up transfusions to increase the baby's hemoglobin above a certain pre-defined level, or because the baby is unwell due to the anemia. Possible side-effects of anemia in babies can be poor growth, lethargy and