Definition

A rare disorder in which the bone marrow does not make enough red blood cells. Signs and symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, breathing problems, dizziness, and headaches. PRCA mainly affects adults and may be caused by infection, kidney failure, an autoimmune disease (such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), pregnancy, a thymoma (tumor of the thymus gland), and certain types of cancer, including leukemia. It may also be caused by taking certain medicines. PRCA may also be inherited and seen in the first year of life, but this is very rare. Also called pure red cell aplasia.