Staphylococcal infection in children with diamond blackfan syndrome

ABSTRACT

Five cases of congenital hypoplastic anemia [Diamond-Blackfan syndrome] were diagnosed and managed at the Jordan University Hospital between 1978 and 1980. Four cases suggested an autosomal pattern of inheritance. Anemia in these four cases started very early in life and diagnosis was made before the age of six months in all cases. The fifth case was diagnosed at the age of three years and the onset of anemia was at the age of six months. All patients responded to steroids. Three patients developed Staphylococcus aureus sepsis, and one expired. The others are in continuous full remission. Two are off steroids 14 and six months, respectively. The association of Staphylococcal infection with Diamond-Blackfan syndrome has not been reported before