Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) or erythroblastopenia refers to a type of aplastic anemia affecting the precursors to red blood cells but usually not to white blood cells. In PRCA, the bone marrow ceases to produce red blood cells. There are multiple etiologies that can cause PRCA. The condition has been first described by Paul Kaznelson in 1922.[1]
| Pure red cell aplasia | |
|---|---|
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| Scanning electron micrograph of blood cells. From left to right: human red blood cell, thrombocyte (platelet), leukocyte. Pure red cell aplasia affects the red blood cells in particular. | |
| Specialty | Hematology  |
Signs and symptoms may include:
Causes of PRCA include:
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PRCA is considered an autoimmune disease as it will respond to immunosuppressant treatment such as cyclosporin in many patients,[9] though this approach is not without risk.[10]
It has also been shown to respond to treatments with rituximab and tacrolimus.[citation needed]
For cases related to B19 parvovirus, administration of commercial immunoglobulin can treat or cure parvovirus by replacing neutralizing antibodies.[11]