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Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes

Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes - What it is

What are inherited bone marrow failure syndromes?

Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) are a group of genetic conditions characterised by the inability of the bone marrow to produce sufficient blood cells.

These syndromes are usually caused by a fault (i.e., mutation) in a gene that is meant to repair DNA (the instructions our body needs to function). This may lead to bone marrow failure, and in some cases, a higher risk of developing solid tumour(s) and/or blood cancer such as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Not all cases of bone marrow failure are inherited and passed down within families. Some cases may be acquired – caused by environmental factors, chance events and age.

Genetic testing can help identify if a person’s medical history is caused by a faulty gene that may be inherited.

Genetic Testing

What is bone marrow failure?

The bone marrow contains blood stem cells, which function to produce the different types of blood cells.

Individuals with bone marrow failure typically start by exhibiting low blood count(s) in the following cell types:

  • Low red blood cell (RBC) count (anaemia)
  • Low platelet count (thrombocytopaenia)
  • Low white blood cell (WBC) count (leukopaenia)
The different cells made from blood stem cells in the bone marrow

IBMFS may present at birth, infancy or childhood, and sometimes in adults. Both males and females can be affected.

The 4 most common IBMFS are:

  • Fanconi anaemia (FA)
  • Diamond-Blackfan anaemia (DBA)
  • Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) / telomere biology disorders (TBD)
  • Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS)
These conditions are associated with different faulty genes.

Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes - Symptoms

Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes - How to prevent?

Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes - Causes and Risk Factors

Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes - Treatments

Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes - Preparing for surgery

Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes - Post-surgery care

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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