Autoimmune Bone Marrow Disease

Autoimmune bone marrow disease is the result of the immune system attacking its own cells, and thus, can be fatal. The diagnosis of the disease is a long procedure that requires medical expertise. Medication, transfusions and bone marrow transplant are performed to relieve the patient's distress. These treatments temporarily grant respite to the patient, however, symptoms usually recur.

What Is Autoimmune Bone Marrow Disease?

• A soft tissue inside the bones that makes blood cells is called the bone marrow. It produces the three different types of blood cells: red blood cells, which supply oxygen to various parts of the body; white blood cells, which fight diseases; and platelets, which clot blood. Autoimmune bone marrow disease is caused when the organism is unable to recognize its own cells, thereby allowing an immune reaction against its own cells. Heredity is a major factor in rendering individuals prone to autoimmune bone marrow disease. In his book, "Women and Auto Immune Diseases," Robert G. Lahita mentions, "seventy five percent of victims of autoimmune bone marrow disease in America are women, possibly due to greater inflammatory reaction."

Symptoms

• Softness of bones and pain, headaches, weak joints and puffiness of different organs, including the spleen, liver and kidneys, are some of the known symptoms of bone marrow disease. When the red blood cell count decreases significantly, it causes anemia, which might indicate bone marrow disease. Frequent infections and the patient's inability to respond to general medicine are signals that should not be overlooked.

Diagnosis

• Accurate diagnosis of the disease is dependent on following the exact history of the patient, physical examination, blood tests and X-ray. Ricard Cervera , in his book, "Diagnostic Criteria In Auto Immune Diseases" states, " sometimes auto antibodies are injected; the level of auto antibodies is calculated to provide a detailed analysis of the development of the disease." A sample of bone marrow may also be extracted for evaluation in a laboratory.

Treatment

• Consulting a specialist is compulsory. Doctors administer medicines to slow the response of the immune system but that also affects the system's ability to fight other diseases. The body's immune system weakens and the patient is unable to fight even minor ailments, like flu. Patients have to be hospitalized frequently and remain constantly under medical supervision. Blood transfusions are performed in case red blood cell count decreases below safe levels. Radiation and chemotherapy are also used in treatment.

Bone Marrow Transplant

• In some cases, it is possible to infuse stem cells from a donor to another person. Doctors determine the compatibility of the donor to the recipient before the procedure is performed, to increase the chances of success.