Knochenmarkschäden

Knochenmarkschäden, also known as bone marrow damage, refers to any injury or disruption to the tissue found within the cavities of bones that produces blood cells. This damage can range in severity and have various causes.

Common causes of bone marrow damage include exposure to radiation, such as from cancer treatments or nuclear accidents, and certain chemicals or toxins, including some pesticides and industrial solvents. Medications, particularly chemotherapy drugs, can also suppress or damage bone marrow function as a side effect. Infections, especially viral ones like parvovirus B19, can also affect the bone marrow. Furthermore, autoimmune diseases where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues can lead to bone marrow damage. Inherited conditions can also predispose individuals to bone marrow problems.

The consequences of bone marrow damage depend on the extent of the damage and the specific cell lines affected. Since bone marrow is responsible for producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, damage can lead to anemia (low red blood cell count), increased susceptibility to infections (low white blood cell count), and bleeding problems (low platelet count). In severe cases, the bone marrow may fail entirely, a condition known as aplastic anemia. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy to examine the cellularity and cellular composition of the marrow. Treatment strategies are aimed at addressing the underlying cause and managing the resulting blood count deficiencies, which may include transfusions, antibiotics, growth factors, or bone marrow transplantation.