Causes And Complications Of Diamond-Blackfan Anemia

Diamond-Blackfan anemia is a blood disorder where an individual has bone marrow that cannot produce an adequate amount of blood cells to replace the cells that die off. This type of anemia typically presents with red blood cells that are larger than normal, or macrocytic red blood cells. Diamond-Blackfan anemia occurs most often in young children, but it can also develop in an adult. Symptoms characteristic of Diamond-Blackfan anemia include excessive sleepiness, pale skin color, fatigue, distinct facial appearance, cleft palate, heart anomalies, unusual thumbs, short stature, irritability, rapid heartbeat, low birth weight, heart murmur, reproductive anomalies, and urinary system anomalies. Bone marrow testing, physical examination, genetic testing, and blood testing are used to help make a diagnosis of Diamond-Blackfan anemia. Treatment can include bone marrow transplant, blood transfusions, and medication.