Sickle Cell Disease: Aplastic Crisis
Current as of: October 9, 2017
If a person with sickle cell disease is infected with parvovirus, the virus that causes fifth disease in children, an aplastic crisis may develop. Bone marrow suddenly stops producing red blood cells, which results in sudden and severe anemia. During this time, a person will often feel tired, have pale skin, and be short of breath.
Blood transfusions might be done to treat an aplastic crisis. After a few days, the bone marrow usually recovers on its own. And red blood cell production returns to its usual rate.footnote 1
Most aplastic crises occur in children. This condition only occurs once in any person.
Citations
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Martin H. Steinberg, MD - Hematology
Current as ofOctober 9, 2017
Next Section:
Related InformationPrevious Section:
Topic OverviewNext Section:
ReferencesPrevious Section:
Related InformationNext Section:
CreditsPrevious Section:
ReferencesCurrent as of: October 9, 2017
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2018 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.