Guide To The Conditions Prednisone Treats

Diamond-Blackfan Anemia

Diamond-Blackfan anemia is a rare form of anemia. For patients with this condition, the bone marrow does not produce a sufficient quantity of red blood cells. Researchers estimate there are six to seven hundred patients with this condition throughout the world, and genetic mutations are involved in roughly twenty-five percent of all cases. At birth, newborns with Diamond-Blackfan anemia may have hand abnormalities, heart defects, heartbeat irregularities, and pallor. The thumbs may be absent or malformed, and the eyelids may droop. Patients could also have episodes of fainting, and irritability may be present. To diagnose this condition, doctors will perform blood tests, and genetic testing and a bone marrow biopsy may be necessary. Prednisone is normally the first line of treatment for Diamond-Blackfan anemia. The medication stimulates the production of red blood cells, and seventy percent of patients with this condition will be responsive to this treatment. Blood transfusions can be used as well, and patients may be advised to have a stem cell transplant.

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