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Living with Diamond-Blackfan anemia 3

A form of Diamond-Blackfan anemia in which the bone marrow makes too few red blood cells.

Understanding Diamond-Blackfan anemia 3

Diamond-Blackfan anemia 3 is a form of Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA), which causes a severe shortage of red blood cells.

In its classic form, white blood cells and platelets are normal. Up to 50% of people have birth differences, and 30% have slow growth. About 90% have blood problems in the first year of life. Severity ranges from mild to severe. DBA is linked with a higher chance of acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and some solid tumors.

Signs & symptoms

GARD's list of less common features includes:

  • Webbed neck
  • Large red blood cells (macrocytic anemia)
  • Fetal hemoglobin remaining in the blood

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation, Inc.
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can genetic testing find the gene behind my diagnosis?
How often should blood counts and cancer screening be done?
What are the options for treating anemia?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD doesn't name a gene. It lists autosomal dominant inheritance, so a changed copy of the gene from one parent can be enough.

Also known as: dba3; diamond-blackfan anaemia caused by mutation in rps24; diamond-blackfan anaemia type 3; diamond-blackfan anemia caused by mutation in rps24; diamond-blackfan anemia type 3; rps24 diamond-blackfan anaemia

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Diamond-Blackfan anemia 3GARD ID 10241 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Diamond-Blackfan anemia 3.

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Explore actively recruiting Diamond-Blackfan anemia 3 studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Diamond-Blackfan anemia 3 with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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