Bone Marrow and Blood Cells
Your blood is mostly made up of four things: red blood cells, white blood cells, other cells called platelets and a liquid called plasma, which the blood cells and platelets move in.
Bone marrow is the spongy part inside your big bones. It is a bit like a cell-making factory where new blood cells are made. When they are first made by the bone marrow they are called stem cells.
These stem cells grow into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. They are the reason your blood is red.
These red blood cells are necessary for life since they carry oxygen around the body.
Why is this Happening?
Diamond Blackfan Anaemia Syndrome is a genetic syndrome and is caused by changes (mutations) in ribosomal protein genes in about 80-85% of those affected.
DBAS is a rare syndrome. It is a genetic syndrome caused by changes in genes (mutations).
What Signs Will I Notice?
Your blood is mostly made up of four things: red blood cells, white blood cells, other cells called platelets and a liquid called plasma, which the blood cells and platelets move in.
Bone marrow is the spongy part inside your big bones. It is a bit like a cell-making factory where new blood cells are made. When they are first made by the bone marrow they are called stem cells.
These stem cells grow into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. They are the reason your blood is red.
These red blood cells are necessary for life since they carry oxygen around the body.
What Will Make Me Better?
Currently there is no cure, but DBAS is very treatable with help from hospitals.
Many people with DBAS are treated with blood transfusions, often monthly.
Some DBAS patients can respond to a high dose of steroids, often taken every-other day.
For some children (but not everyone), your bone marrow might need to be replaced by healthy bone marrow, which has been donated by a different person. For this to work well, the donated bone marrow has to be a good match with your own body.
On rare occasions, it has been known for DBAS patients to go into remission, with a temporary or permanent cessation of symptoms.
Talking to somebody: We know that having DBAS can be difficult. If you have any questions or worries, please talk to somebody about this. Your family, your brother, your sister, your friends, and your doctors are all here to help you as much as they can.
What Can DBAS UK Do?
DBAS UK is a registered charity (1083179) run by volunteers.
We offer support, research and hope to the DBAS community by bringing families together to share their experiences, communicate the latest medical information and raise funds to support those with DBAS in the UK.
Our UK Family & Patient Support Line 0845 094 1548 provides invaluable support to patients and their families at a difficult and confusing time.
We also hold an annual conference for all DBAS families in the UK.
