Causes And Complications Of Diamond-Blackfan Anemia

Weight Gain

An individual affected by Diamond-Blackfan anemia may experience weight gain as a result of the disorder itself, or because of a type of medication they may be taking to treat their disease. Although the mechanism that links certain physical features to the hematologic features in Diamond-Blackfan anemia patients, it is thought to be the result of closely related genetic mutations. Weight gain from Diamond-Blackfan anemia that occurs in children is not actually an inappropriate increase in body mass. Children who have Diamond-Blackfan anemia experience problems with the growth of their bones, and end up shorter in height than healthy individuals of the same age. While their height is shorter than normal, they continue to gain weight at a healthy rate. This normal weight gain and abnormal slowed growth of bones cause an affected individual to appear as if they are gaining weight. Diamond-Blackfan anemia patients who are being treated with corticosteroids may experience weight gain as an adverse side effect because it causes the body to hold on to excess fluid.

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