Definition of Fanconi's anemia:

Fanconi's anemia is an inherited disease that mainly affects the bone marrow. It results in decreased production of all types of blood cells. Fanconi's anemia is different from Fanconi's syndrome, a rare kidney disorder in which a person loses nutrients through the urine.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

To inherit Fanconi's anemia, a person must get one copy of the abnormal gene from each parent. The condition occurs in all racial and ethnic groups. It is usually diagnosed when a person is between 2 and 15 years old.

The disease is caused by a genetic defect. This defect prevents cells from fixing damaged DNA or removing toxic substances called oxygen-free radicals that damage cells. People with certain birth defects or who develop low blood counts may have this disease.