Fanconi's anemia is a 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.

Anemia - Fanconi's

Fanconi's anemia is due to an abnormal gene that damages cells, which keeps them from repairing damaged DNA.

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.

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Formed elements of blood

Review Date: 04/08/2010
Reviewed By: 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)