What are the types of bone marrow failure syndromes?
Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMF), like Fanconi anemia, are genetic disorders resulting in abnormal, often serious and life-threatening, bone marrow function. IBMFs are often associated with multiple birth defects and other serious medical problems. Patients are at significantly higher risk of developing leukemia and other cancers.
Importantly, some patients do not display all physical characteristics of IBMF syndromes, which necessitates detailed diagnostics studies and careful medical management.
Acquired bone marrow failures are not inherited or associated with other birth defects and cancer predisposition. Aplastic anemia is the most common form of acquired bone marrow failure and refers to conditions where blood counts are low because the bone marrow has become empty of blood forming cells.
|
