What is Diamond Blackfan Anaemia?
Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA) is a blood condition caused by a failure within the bone marrow. It is characterized by an inability to produce red blood cells (necessary to transport oxygen around the body). It is typically diagnosed before the patients 2nd birthday with the majority of cases found before 4 months. The condition is extremely rare, affecting approximately 125 people in the UK and only 600 – 700 world-wide. It requires intensive therapy, and has no known cure. DBA has a range of symptoms, from those needing little or no treatment, through steroid responsive patients to those dependent on transfusions.
