Epidemiology of aplastic anemia: a prospective multicenter study

Abstract

Background Aplastic anemia is a rare and severe disease. Its incidence varies considerably worldwide. We aimed at describing the epidemiology of this disease, including the incidence, mortality and survival trends, in a well-defined population.Design and Methods Since 1980, a case-control surveillance study of aplastic anemia has been carried out by a cooperative group, in the metropolitan area of Barcelona. Inclusion is dependent on the patient having at least two of the following features: white blood cell count ≤3.5×109/L, platelet count ≤50×109/L, hemoglobin