A few people who have received the COVID-19 (SARS-CoA-2) mRNAvaccine have subsequently developed aplastic anemia.
Patient selection: history of recent COVID-19 mRNA vaccination
Hypotheses:
(1) the vaccination triggers an autoimmune reaction, which can lead to aplastic anemia
(2) the patient already has an underlying reaction, and the vaccination causes an exacerbation
(3) coincidence, with the vaccination unrelated to development of the aplastic anemia
Exclusion of another cause for aplastic anemia is critical for making the appropriate diagnosis. Possible causes include:
(1) exposure to drugs or chemicals
(2) viral hepatitis or other infection
(3) pre-existing hypoplastic or aplastic anemia
Other vaccinations that have been implicated in cases of aplastic anemia:
(1) influenza
(2) recombinant hepatitis B
(3) Varicella zoster
(4) anthrax
Management may include:
(1) immunosuppression
(2) hematopoietic stem cell transplant
