National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia

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Other Names:
Dyserythropoietic anemia, congenital
Subtypes:
Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia is a hereditary disease that affects the production of red blood cells (erythropoiesis) and is characterized by anemia and problems in various organs. The signs and symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), larger-than-normal liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly), and problems of the heart.[1]

There are four major types of the condition. Each type has a different cause and the additional signs and symptoms mentioned below:[2] 
  • Type 1: Characterized by moderate to severe anemia; jaundice; hepatosplenomegaly; and iron overload, which can lead to heart problems, liver disease (cirrhosis), and diabetes. Some people are born with skeletal defects of the fingers and/or toes. In some cases, the disease can be detected before birth as a hydrops fetalis. It is usually caused by changes (mutations) in the CDAN1 and C15orf41(less frequently) genes. 
  • Type 2: Characterized by hepatosplenomegaly, gallbladder stones, and a milder form of anemia. After 20 years of age, some affected people develop iron overload. It is caused by mutations in the SEC23B gene 
  • Type 3: The rarest form of the types. The liver is unaffected, but eye and blood problems (monoclonal gammopathy) are present. The exact cause of this type is currently unknown but it likely results from mutations in a gene located on the long arm of chromosome 15 at a position designated 15q22.
  • Type 4: Characterized by very severe anemia. It is caused by mutations in the KLF1 gene. 
Types 1 and 2 are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Type 3 appears to be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Type 4 is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Treatment may involve the use of a medication called interferon, and a bone marrow transplant.[1]
Last updated: 2/20/2017

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • Genetics Home Reference (GHR) contains information on Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia. This website is maintained by the National Library of Medicine.

In-Depth Information

  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.

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  1. Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia. Genetics Home Reference (GHR). July 2009; http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/congenital-dyserythropoietic-anemia.
  2. Tamary H & Dgany O. Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia Type I. GeneReviews. August 25, 2016; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK5313/#cda1.Management.