Aplastic Anemia

Laboratory DataThe red cells of patients with aplastic anemia are normocytic or mildly macrocytic, with normal morphologic features. Leukoerythroblastosis (immature white cells, nucleated red cells, and teardrop-shaped red cells) on the peripheral-blood smear suggests marrow replacement, vasculitis, or infection rather than aplastic anemia. Reticulocyte counts are decreased, especially after correction for the lowered hematocrit according to the formula:reticulocyte percentage X (actual hematocrit/normal hematocrit for age).Decreased erythropoiesis is also reflected by elevated serum iron, delayed plasma iron clearance, and a slow, decreased uptake of iron into red cells. Ferrokinetic studies do not furnish prognostic information above that provided . . .