A Case Report of Diamond-Blackfan Anaemia with RPS19 Mutation

Abstract

Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA) is a rare disorder which presents with anaemia in early childhood. This heterogenous disorder is mainly autosomal dominantly inherited. Significantproportions of the cases are associated with craniofacial anomalies and some cases may end up developing malignancy. The diagnosis is established by blood investigations, and bone marrow studies in which red cell precursors are reduced or absent. Screening for the mutations including those encoding for ribosomal proteins in the patient and the family members is confirmatory for diagnosis. Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) matched hemopoietic stem cell transplantation is the definitive treatment of choice. In other cases, corticosteroids have been tried. The haemoglobin level is maintained with packed red cell transfusion. We are presenting here a male baby who had anaemia soon after birth and was brought to us at the age of 1 year 3 months. The diagnosis of DBA was made since the patient presented with anaemia and supportive biochemical and histological evidence. Genetic screening revealed mutation in ribosomal protein S19 (RPS19) gene in the baby.