refractory anaemia
Noun: A type of anemia characterized by an inadequate production of red blood cells by the bone marrow, which does not respond adequately to standard treatments (such as iron or vitamin supplements) and typically requires management through blood transfusions. This condition is not secondary to another primary disease.
This is a medical term used specifically in hematology to diagnose and describe a category of blood disorders. * The patient was diagnosed with refractory anaemia after failing to respond to iron therapy. * Treatment for refractory anaemia often involves regular blood transfusions to maintain adequate hemoglobin levels.
- Refractory Anaemia with Ringed Sideroblasts (RARS): A specific subtype where developing red blood cells in the bone marrow show abnormal iron rings around their nuclei.
- The term "refractory" in this context specifically indicates a lack of response to hematinic agents (substances that stimulate blood cell formation).
- Refractory Anemia (US English spelling): The American English spelling variant, where "anaemia" is spelled "anemia".
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS): Refractory anaemia is classified under this broader group of bone marrow disorders.
- Refractoriness (noun): The state of being unresponsive to treatment.
- Refractory anemia (US spelling variant)
- Ineffective erythropoiesis (a more general physiological description meaning faulty red blood cell production)
This term refers specifically to a primary bone marrow disorder. It is distinct from anemias caused by nutritional deficiencies (like iron-deficiency anemia), chronic diseases, or blood loss, which are typically treatable by addressing the underlying cause. The key defining feature is the lack of response to conventional therapies.
- any of various anemic conditions that are not successfully treated by any means other than blood transfusions (and that are not associated with another primary disease)