What pediatricians should know about bone marrow failure syndromes

Pediatricians face a difficult task determining when to refer a child for a suspected bone marrow failure syndrome. We now realize that only a subset of children with bone marrow failure syndromes present with the findings described in textbooks.  These children often appear well and lack classical physical stigmata. By the time they look sick, their marrow’s ability to produce blood cells can be so weakened that it could be too late — or at least much more difficult — to treat them successfully. These rare disorders can range from life-threatening conditions requiring a hematopoietic stem cell transplant to mild cases treated with medication and/or watchful monitoring. Left untreated, a number of bone marrow failure syndromes can lead to cancers, particularly acute myeloid leukemia. Once AML develops in patients with bone marrow failure syndromes, outcomes are generally poor, so current strategies focus on early diagnosis and surveillance to initiate transplant prior to the development of AML. Fortunately, there are several indications that should lead a primary care physician to refer a patient for evaluation. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Conditions Cancer Source Type: blogs