Patients with Diamond Blackfan Anemia have an increased risk of which condition?

Individuals with Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA) are at an increased risk for developing leukemia. DBA is a rare inherited bone marrow failure syndrome characterized by a decrease in red blood cell production, leading to anemia. The underlying genetic mutations associated with DBA can predispose patients to various malignancies, particularly leukemia, due to the impaired function of hematopoietic cells and the potential for abnormal growth signals.

The connection between DBA and leukemia is supported by clinical observations showing that patients with DBA may have a higher incidence of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other hematologic malignancies. This risk is particularly concerning in patients who have undergone multiple blood transfusions, as transfusions can increase the risk of iron overload, subsequently contributing to the development of malignancies.

While hemophilia is a condition related to bleeding disorders, asthma is a chronic respiratory condition, and diabetes involves metabolic and endocrine processes, these options do not align with the hematological and oncological risks specifically associated with Diamond Blackfan Anemia.