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Aplastic Anaemia

Aplastic Anaemia - Causes and Risk Factors

What causes aplastic anaemia? 

Most aplastic anaemia cases are due to suppression of the bone marrow by the immune system. 

A small minority of cases may be due to genetic predisposition or medications and toxins. Other causes can include:
  • Viral infections: Certain viruses, such as hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus and HIV, can lead to aplastic anaemia by damaging the bone marrow.

  • Radiation and chemotherapy: Treatment for cancer and other conditions can harm the bone marrow, potentially leading to aplastic anaemia.

What are the risk factors for aplastic anaemia?

  • Autoimmune conditions: People with autoimmune disorders like lupus may be at higher risk due to immune system dysregulation.

  • Exposure to industrial chemicals: Contact with chemicals like benzene or pesticides can increase the risk of developing aplastic anaemia.

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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Ng Heng Joo Clin Prof

Clin Prof Ng Heng Joo

Head & Senior Consultant

MBBS, MMed (Int Med), MRCP(UK), FRCPath(UK),FAMS

Clinical Interests: Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Laboratory Haematology

Chandramouli Nagarajan Clin Assoc Prof

Clin Assoc Prof Chandramouli Nagarajan

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MBBS, FRCP(Edin), FRCPath(UK)

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Dr Jason Chay Wai Mun

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​MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), FRCPath Haematology (UK), FAMS (Singapore), GDFM (Singapore)

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Chen Yunxin Dr

Dr Chen Yunxin

Senior Consultant

MBBS, MRCP(UK), FRCPath(UK)

Clinical Interests: Lymphoma, Myeloma

Charles Chuah Assoc Prof

Assoc Prof Charles Chuah

Senior Consultant

MBChB, MMed(Int Med), MD(London), FRCP(Edin)

Clinical Interests: Myeloproliferative Neoplasm, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Denise Tan Yan Dr

Dr Denise Tan Yan

Senior Consultant

MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), MMed (Internal Medicine), FRCPath (UK)

Clinical Interests: General Haematology, Myeloproliferative Neoplasm

Nicholas Grigoropoulos Dr

Dr Nicholas Grigoropoulos

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MBBS, PhD, MRCP(UK), FRCPath(UK)

Clinical Interests: Lymphoma

Goh Yeow Tee Clin Prof

Clin Prof Goh Yeow Tee

Senior Consultant

MBBS, M Med (Int Med)

Clinical Interests: Stem Cell Transplantation, Lymphoproliferative Disease, Myeloma

Than Hein Dr

Dr Than Hein

Senior Consultant

MBBS, MRCP(UK), MMed(Int Med), FRCPath(UK), FAMS

Clinical Interests: Acute Leukemia, Myeloproliferative Neoplasm, Haematopoietic Stem Cell & Cellular Therapy

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Dr Ho Liam Pock

Senior Consultant

​MBBS, FRCPA

Clinical Interests: Haematopathology

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