Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes

Bone marrow failure syndromes include inherited conditions such as Fanconi anemia, Diamond-Blackfan anemia, Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, cyclic neutropenia and congenital dyskeratosis as well as acquired disorders ranging from aplastic anemia to paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and myelodysplastic syndromes. While inherited conditions are passed on from parents’ genes, acquired ones may occur due to exposure to certain viruses, toxins and chemicals or due to an underlying disorder that inhibits the body’s ability to manufacture healthy red blood cells. Patients with bone marrow failure syndromes may have abnormally low levels of white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets, leading to an increased risk for infections and symptoms such as dizziness, paleness, clotting problems and frequent bleeding or bruising. Treatments for bone marrow failure syndromes include bone marrow transplantation, blood transfusions, androgens, growth factors for blood cells and certain medications.