Biopsy Test Results

[MShawnte]

Hi Everyone,

Today I received the results from my bone marrow biopsy. Here's some of what it says:

-Markedly hypocellular bone marrow consistent with aplastic anemia
-Normoblastic erythroid predominant trilineage hematopoiesis
-Absent storage iron

WBC: 2.4 TH/CMM
HB: 10.9 g/dL
HCT: 33.0%
MCV: 85.9 FL
Platelets: 91 TH/CMM

WBC Differential of 50% neutrophils, 40% lymphocytes, 8% monocytes and 2% eosinophils

Smear: Megakaryocytes are present and maturing. The M:E ratio is 2:1 to 1:1. The myeloid and erythroid series show progressive and synchronous maturation. Occasional erythroid precursors show binucleation. Plasma cells comprise 2-3% of total marrow cellularity.

Core: 20% Cellularity (Same as results from 2007)
Scattered megakaryocytes are present and show some displastic features with hypolobation.

I was also tested for leukemia/lymphoma and Fanconi anemia and that was negative.

I am supposed to go back to see my hematologist in 2 months. She talked to me about possibly going to NIH for immunosuppressant therapy. There's no rush since my anemia isn't severe but she threw it out there as an option. I'm wondering if I should just wait and see if it gets worse or start some type of treatment. My blood counts haven't changed that much over the years, although, this is the first time I've seen my platelets be in the double digits.

I'm starting to think that maybe my bone marrow will stay like this for a good while, a few more years at least before it gets worse since it's already been this way for about 5 years.

What do you think? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Marlene]

So what are they doing for your low iron storage? And are you able to keep your B12 in mid-high normal range?

[MShawnte]

I've been given iron to take 3 times a day. The last time I was checked for B12 levels was years ago and I believe it was in the normal range.

[Marlene]

Make sure to get a current check on your B12, folate, copper and zinc. Be sure to get a copy of the labs. There have been discussions on other threads about low normal B12 can mimic MDS so you want to rule this out. Your B12 should be in the mid to upper range. Your GP can order these tests for you now. If you are taking a supplement with B12, you need to stop it about 4 days before testing otherwise you will get falsely elevated levels.

Too many times, doctors dismiss low normal B12 serum levels. B12 serum is not a definitive test to assess deficiency and a low normal is very suspect especially in the presence of blood or neurological symptoms.

B12 is so easy to address with oral supplementation. All the above, including iron, are needed for blood production. Copper and zinc are closely tied to iron...too much of one can through off the other and visa versa.

This is a good time to look at your nutritional status and work on improving your overall health.

I know it can be overwhelming and seems like a minor thing, but it really is important especially since you already have an issue with low iron.

[MShawnte]

Ahh. Ok. I was going to make an appointment with my doctor anyway so I could talk to her about my latest experience with my hematologist. At that time, I can request those tests to be done. Speaking of my overall health, I ended up buying some multivitamins yesterday w/o iron since I already have iron supplements. I assume that if my aplastic anemia is caused by vitamin/mineral deficiencies then I guess it would be easy to fix. Maybe it's not as simple.

Thanks a lot.

[Marlene]

Sometimes it is, other times, not so easy. Either way, you want to make sure you have what you need to support your bone marrow and blood production. You want to go into treatment with optimal health if you can.