Sickle Cell Disease: Aplastic Crisis

Skip Navigation

Overview

Aplastic crisis is a condition in which the bone marrow of someone with a condition such as sickle cell disease suddenly stops producing red blood cells. This causes sudden and severe anemia. The crisis is usually caused by an infection with parvovirus. This is the virus that causes fifth disease in children.

Blood transfusions might be done to treat an aplastic crisis. This means you receive healthy blood from another person. After a few days, the bone marrow usually recovers on its own, and red blood cell production returns to its usual rate.

Credits

Current as of: December 13, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.