Diamond–Blackfan anemia
| Diamond–Blackfan anemia | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Blackfan-Diamond anemia, inherited pure red cell aplasia, inherited erythroblastopenia |
| Specialty | Hematology |
Diamond–Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a congenital pure red blood cell aplasia that usually presents in infancy. DBA causes anemia, but has no effect on the other blood components (platelets, white blood cells). This is in contrast to Shwachman–Bodian–Diamond syndrome, in which the bone marrow defect results primarily in neutropenia, and Fanconi anemia, where all cell lines are affected resulting in pancytopenia. There is a risk to develop acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and certain other cancers.
A variety of other congenital abnormalities may also occur in DBA, such as triphalangeal thumbs, craniofacial abnormalities, and short stature.