An unexpected cause for aplastic anaemia in an elderly woman

Abstract

Aplastic anaemia is a rare clinical syndrome associated with diminished or absent precursors in the bone marrow. Acquired aplastic anaemia secondary to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is very rare. We present a 71-year-old woman with severe aplastic anaemia secondary to HIV infection, which was after extensive exclusion of other causes. She achieved undetectable viral load after 5 months of combination antiretroviral therapy but remains profoundly pancytopenic, complicated by recurrent infectious and bleeding complications. HIV infection should be considered in patients with pancytopenia.

Erythropoietin-Associated Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome

“…Pancytopenia can result from viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus, Hepatitis B, C, and rarely HIV 1,2. Pancytopenia is a condition in which a patient has anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia, often due to bone marrow suppression.…”

“…Pancytopenia can result from viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus, Hepatitis B, C, and rarely HIV. 1,2 Pancytopenia is a condition in which a patient has anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia, often due to bone marrow suppression. The treatment of anemia includes blood transfusions and iron supplementation, as well as treatment with erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs).…”