Association between Heavy Metal Exposure and Idiopathic Aplastic Anemia in Adolescents and Adults:a Case Control Study from Northern India

Introduction:Compared to western world the incidence of AA in South Asian countries is higher. There are studies to suggest that incidence of this disease is 2-3 times higher in LMICs. Besides immune mediated pathophysiology and inherited presdispostion, toxic insult to the hematopoietic elements due to chemotherapy, radiation exposure, drugs,and environmental toxins such as pesticides and heavy metals have been associated with Aplastic Anemia.The higher incidence of AA in lower socio-economic status and its association with drinking water habits, industrial exposure suggests a possible link with heavy metals in the pathogenesis of disease.