Bone marrow is a soft filling in the centre of the bone. It is responsible for the production of blood cells like RBC, WBC, Platelets. Bone Marrow Failure is a condition in which bone marrow cannot produce sufficient amount of White Blood Cells, Red Blood Cells and Platelets.

Bone marrow failure can be categorised into two parts.

. Inherited bone marrow failure.

Inherited Bone marrow failure is a condition in which one having bone marrow failure is having a family history of it. Inherited bone marrow failure syndrome is known to have higher number of patients as compared to acquired failure.

. Acquired bone marrow failure.

This type of disorder is not because of mutation. There is a definite cause like any possible disease.

How common is Bone marrow failure syndrome?

It is one of the rarest disorders. According to research only 60-70 children out of million are born with inherited bone marrow failure syndromes. Most of the Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome cases are diagnosed before one turn adult.

Symptoms of bone marrow failure syndrome.

There is no specific symptom of Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome. Symptoms may vary person to person. Let’s have a look at some of the common symptoms of Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome.

-Headaches

-Anemia

-Shortness of breath.

-Irregular heartbeat

-Fatigue

-Fevers

-Infections which are frequent

-Pale skin

-Dizziness

-Skin Rash

Possible causes of bone marrow failure.

Inherited Bone marrow failure is a result of genetic mutation. It is passed on from any one or both of the biological parents.

Radiation and chemotherapy-Radiation may kill stem cells along with cancer cells and its ability to make blood cells may be lost.

Toxic Chemical Exposures- Exposure to chemicals used in pesticides, Benzenes and insecticides are one of the major bone marrow failure causing stuff.

Autoimmune Disorders- A disorder in which healthy cells attacked by immune system. This attack may kill stem cells which may lead to bone marrow failure.

HIV- HIV virus is among the possible cause of Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome.

Hepatitis- Hepatitis is linked with liver function and is among the possible cause of Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome.

Medications- Some specific medications such as antibiotics are linked with Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome.

Types of Bone marrow failure syndrome.

Aplastic anemia – a condition in which bone marrow stops producing blood cells.

Diamond blackfan anemia- in this anemia bone marrow stops producing red blood cells.

Fanconi anemia- it causes shortness of breath and chest pain.

Diagnosis of Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome.

Based on the symptoms the health care provider may ask you to go through multiple tests.

Test involved in the diagnosis.

• CBC- Complete blood count may suggest the actual levels of your blood cells. Lower levels may be treated as an indication of Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome.
• MRI
• Blood test for vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Blood test for iron deficiency.
• Treatment of Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome.

Treatment depends on various factors such as age, severity of Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome and symptoms involved.

Best treatment for Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome is Blood transfusion which increases the level of blood cells.

Bone marrow stimulants are prescribed which may increase the production of blood cells.