Bone Marrow and Types of Anaemia

[Image description: A microscopic image of bone marrow cells]

Bone Marrow and Types of Anaemia

Introduction

Bone marrow is the spongy, red tissue inside our bones that produces blood cells. It plays a crucial role in maintaining proper blood cell levels by generating new blood cells daily. However, when this process malfunctions, anaemia can occur. There are several types of anaemia related to bone marrow function and composition. This article will discuss these subtopics in detail: aplastic anaemia, anaemia of chronic disorders, sideroblastic anaemia, bone marrow examination, and bone marrow composition and functions.

Aplastic Anaemia

Aplastic anaemia is a rare disorder where the bone marrow stops producing adequate new blood cells. The condition can be triggered by various factors such as viral infections, exposure to certain drugs, ionizing radiation, or toxic chemicals, resulting in reduced production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, pale skin, frequent infections, unexplained bruising, and prolonged bleeding from cuts. Treatment depends on the cause and can involve medications, blood transfusions, or a stem cell transplant.

Anaemia of Chronic Disorders

This type of anaemia occurs secondary to ongoing diseases, such as kidney disease, cancer, or inflammatory conditions, which affect the body's ability to produce enough red blood cells. Treatment usually involves managing the underlying condition and may include supplements like iron, vitamin B12, folate, or erythropoietin injections to stimulate bone marrow production.

Sideroblastic Anaemia

Sideroblastic anaemia is characterized by the presence of iron-rich red blood cell precursors called sideroblasts in the bone marrow. This condition can result from genetic factors, medications, or exposure to toxic chemicals, leading to impaired hemoglobin synthesis and reduced oxygen carrying capacity. There are various treatments available depending on the cause, such as changing the medication that triggered the disorder, chelation therapy for metal poisoning, or addressing any nutrient deficiencies.

Bone Marrow Examination

Bone marrow examinations are essential diagnostic tools used to assess blood cell production and identify various types of anaemia. These procedures involve obtaining a bone marrow sample through aspiration or biopsy, which can then be analyzed for the number and quality of different cell lines. Aplastic anaemia is diagnosed based on reduced numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, while other forms of anaemia may show abnormalities in specific cell populations or genetic markers.

Bone Marrow Composition & Functions

The bone marrow maintains the balance between red blood cells (erythrocytes) that carry oxygen, white blood cells (leukocytes) responsible for fighting infections, and platelets (thrombocytes) involved in clotting processes. It does this by continuously producing new blood cells from stem cells, a process called hematopoiesis. When disease or injury affects bone marrow function, it can lead to anaemic states characterized by deficiencies in these critical components of our circulatory system.