Disease Comparison

Overview

Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia is a rare disorder in which the bone marrow does not produce enough new blood cells. Because red cells, white cells, and platelets may all be reduced, the condition can cause tiredness, frequent infections, easy bruising, or bleeding. Severity varies, and severe disease requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure builds up within a closed group of muscles and surrounding tissues, reducing blood flow and potentially damaging muscles and nerves. Acute compartment syndrome usually develops after a significant injury, fracture, crush injury, or bleeding into a muscle compartment and is a medical emergency requiring prompt assessment and treatment.

Symptoms

Shared

None

Only in Left Disease

Fatigue Grinding Teeth During Sleep Weakness

Only in Right Disease

Increased Thirst Muscle Weakness Numbness

Causes

Shared

Chronic Disease

Only in Left Disease

Autoimmune Disorder Infection

Only in Right Disease

None

Diagnosis

Aplastic Anemia

Diagnosis of aplastic anemia involves blood tests showing reduced numbers of blood cells and evaluation of the bone marrow. A complete blood count and examination of blood cells can identify low red cells, white cells, and platelets. Bone marrow examination may be performed to assess blood-cell production and distinguish aplastic anemia from other causes of low blood counts.

Compartment Syndrome

Acute compartment syndrome is diagnosed primarily from the symptoms, physical examination, and the circumstances of the injury. Severe or progressively worsening pain, pain with passive stretching, swelling, altered sensation, or weakness can be important findings. When the diagnosis is uncertain, pressure measurements within the compartment may help confirm elevated tissue pressure. Treatment should not be delayed when clinical findings strongly suggest the condition.

Prevention

Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia cannot always be prevented because many cases have no identifiable cause. When possible, avoid unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals known to damage bone marrow and follow appropriate safety precautions at work. Medicines that can affect blood-cell production should be used only as directed by a healthcare professional. Prompt evaluation of unexplained bleeding, infections, or severe fatigue is important.

Compartment Syndrome

Acute compartment syndrome is not always preventable after major trauma, but prompt treatment of fractures and other serious injuries can reduce complications. Casts, dressings, and splints should be appropriately fitted and monitored for increasing pain, swelling, numbness, or weakness. People undergoing high-risk procedures or treatment should be monitored for warning signs.

Risk Factors

Aplastic Anemia

Risk of aplastic anemia may increase with exposure to certain toxic chemicals or medicines, radiation or chemotherapy, some viral infections, autoimmune disorders, and pregnancy. However, many cases have no identifiable cause. The presence of a risk factor does not mean that a person will develop the condition.

Compartment Syndrome

Risk is increased by major fractures, crush injuries, severe limb trauma, bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use, tight casts or dressings, burns, and situations that cause substantial swelling within a confined body compartment. Athletes involved in repetitive high-intensity activity may be at risk for chronic exertional compartment syndrome.