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Fanconi's anemia - Overview

Alternative Names

Anemia - Fanconi's

Definition of Fanconi's anemia:

Fanconi's anemia is disease passed down through families (inherited) that mainly affects the bone marrow. It results in decreased production of all types of blood cells.

Fanconi's anemia is different from Fanconi syndrome, a rare kidney disorder.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Fanconi's anemia is due to an abnormal gene that prevents cells from fixing damaged DNA or removing cell damaging substances called oxygen-free radicals.

To inherit Fanconi's anemia, a person must get one copy of the abnormal gene from each parent.

The condition is usually diagnosed in children between 2 and 15 years old.

Formed elements of blood

Reviewed last on: 11/10/2008
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Castro-Malaspina H, O’Reilly RJ. Aplastic anemia and related disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 171.

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