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Bone Marrow Failure (BMF)

Bone Marrow Failure (BMF) is the decreased production of 1+ major hematopoietic lineages. Haematopoiesis is where pluripotent stem cells from bone marrow become RBCs, WBCs, Lymphocytes, and Platelets. For this to occur, hormones and good nutrition e.g. Vit B12, Iron, Folate is needed.


The most common cause of BMF is Aplastic Anaemia.


Aplastic Anaemia

Autoimmune reaction causes stem cell damage, leading to a hypocellular bone marrow and Pancytopenia (there will be no abnormal cells suggestive of an alternative e.g. leukaemia).

It's causes include:

  • Hereditary - Fanconi’s anaemia, Dyskeratosis congenita

  • Acquired - Idiopathic, Drugs (e.g. NSAIDs, Chloramphenicol), Infection, Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria


Presents with features of pancytopenia.


Diagnosis - Bone marrow biopsy, showing an absence of stem cells and no evidence of abnormal cells suggestive of an alternative e.g. leukaemia


Management - Transfusions, Immunouppressants, Bone marrow transplant


Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)

MDS is a pre-malignant condition where myeloid stem cells don’t mature properly, therefore not producing enough healthy blood cells. It can develop into AML.


Presens with features of pancytopenia.


Diagnosis - Bone marrow biopsy


Management - Transfusions, Immunouppressants, Bone marrow transplant



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