Bone marrow transplantation for hepatitis-associated aplastic anaemia: Case reports and a review of the literature

Abstract

Hepatitis-associated aplastic anaemia is a rare cause of bone marrow aplasia. The exact aetiology and the pathogenetic mechanisms involved are largely unknown. The marrow aplasia is usually progressive and severe. Mortality is high without treatment. We report two cases of severe hepatitis-associated aplastic anaemia treated successfully with matched sibling allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, followed by a brief review of the major case series in the literature. Immunosuppressive conditioning regimen usually results in rapid resolution of hepatitis without concomitant liver injury. Bone marrow transplantation for the treatment of hepatitis-associated aplastic anaemia appears to result in good recovery of blood counts with favourable outcome similar to other causes of severe aplastic anaemia. Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation should be considered a preferred option for treatment of severe hepatitis-associated aplastic anaemia when a matched sibling donor is available.