Overview
Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare disease that is characterized by a shortage of red blood cells due to decreased production by the bone marrow. Platelets and white blood cell counts are typically normal. Some patients with DBA have malformed thumbs, or cleft lip or palate, receding chin, kidney abnormalities, or heart abnormalities, and may be short in stature. Some patients have no apparent clinical signs of this disease other than anemia.
Most patients will be diagnosed within the first year of life. However, some adults have also been diagnosed.
Outstanding Care Team
DBA is a rare disease and not well understood, which makes treating it challenging. The medical team at Seattle Children's, a parent organization of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, has a long history of successfully caring for children and teens with DBA. These renowned specialists work together to improve your child's quality of life and conquer this disease.
Medical therapy for DBA is provided at Seattle Children's. If your child's health-care team determines that the best course of action is a bone marrow transplant, your child will receive this treatment through Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, ranked first in outcomes in a four-year study by the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) that measured one-year survival rates of patients among 122 transplant centers in the United States.
Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA) Facts
Learn about the risk factors and symptoms of Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA), how it is diagnosed and how its stages are determined.Our Doctors
Our doctors are members of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and faculty from UW Medicine and Seattle Children's. They are the best of the best who work as a team to care for people with Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA)Treatment Options
Regardless of the stage of your illness, the unsurpassed expertise of our physicians makes SCCA the ideal treatment center for Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA).Participate in a Study
As a world-class treatment center, SCCA provides patients with the best and most current therapies available. Clinical studies bring promising new treatments to patients faster. And participating in a study gives patients at least the best, current treatment, as well as the satisfaction that they are helping others with Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA).Patient Support
Because treatment for Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA) isn't easy, special support for patients is essential. SCCA has several programs, classes, and services to assist patients and their families.Web Resources
The more you know about your disease, the more empowered you'll feel. This list of reputable sources about Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA) makes gathering information easy.
Children and Clinical Studies
Learn why half of all American children with cancer take part in a study.
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