Fanconi's anemia
Definition
Fanconi's anemia is an inherited disease that mainly affects the bone marrow. It results in decreased production of all types of blood cells. Fanconi's anemia is different from Fanconi's syndrome, a rare kidney disorder in which a person loses nutrients through the urine.
Alternative Names
Anemia - Fanconi's; FACauses
To inherit Fanconi's anemia, a person must get one copy of the abnormal gene from each parent. The condition occurs in all racial and ethnic groups. It is usually diagnosed when a person is between 2 and 15 years old.
The disease is caused by a genetic defect. This defect prevents cells from fixing damaged DNA or removing toxic substances called oxygen-free radicals that damage cells. People with certain birth defects or who develop low blood counts may have this disease.
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