[Marlene]

Paula,

Ususally, AA is usually not treated unless it's classified as severe (SAA). AA can effect all or just one blood line but most see all three lines effected. Most feel it's an autoimmune disease where your immune system is destroying the blood stem cells in the bone marrow. AA is usually diaganosed by ruling out leukemia, MDS and other anemias. They should also check for PNH and gentically caused anemias. A bone marrow biopsy is a must to check for abnormal cells. Basically, the bone marrow cells are healthy in AA (that's a good thing) and if you can arrest the destruction through immunosuppressant therapy, then the bone marrow/blood will rebuild. Sounds simple but unfortunately, it's still a difficult disease.

The standard ATG treatment is done over 4-5 days. They use steroids to manage the side effects and support you with various meds and transfuions until you recover. Recovery varies from person to person. Do not expect to see a response right away. Counts may drop initially. Many need a second treatment. Most doc look for response to happen in 3 -6 months. But some have taken as long as a year.

What are your husbands counts now and did they tell you what his bone marrow cellularity is?

As you can see by my signature, my husband did High Dose Cytoxan for his AA. Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD is doing a trial with it. ATG with Cyclosporin, or a bone marrow transplant, or High Dose Cytoxan are the three treatments out there. The National Institue of Health has some other trials. They are all focused on suppressing the immune system. So some form of immunosupressant therapy is what they do.