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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2010 Sep 1.
Published in final edited form as: Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2009 Sep;53(3):520–523. doi: 10.1002/pbc.22061

Table I.

Clinical complications of dyskeratosis congenita and suggested monitoring. This is a general list and highlights topics discussed at the Workshop. Management of each patient with DC should be individualized.

System Finding(s) Clinical Complications Suggested Monitoring/Therapy
Dermatologic Nail dystrophy, skin pigmentation, thinning/early graying of hair, hyperkeratosis of palms/soles, adermatoglyphia, acrocyanosis Increased skin cancer risk [30] Annual exams by dermatologist
Limit sun exposure
Use sunscreen
Oral Leukoplakia, erythematous patches, brown/black patches, short tooth roots, enlarged dental pulp chambers (taurodontism) [31] Oral cancer Annual cancer screening, bi- annual dental exams
Head and Neck Squamous cell cancer [30] Annual exams by an otolaryngologist, self- examination, early treatment
Gastrointestinal Esophageal stenosis; liver fibrosis Difficulty swallowing; sensitivity to androgens Esophageal dilatation; monitor liver functions
Ophthalmologic Excessive tearing (epiphora) due to lacrimal duct obstruction, ectropion, entropion, trichiasis, sparse eyelashes, optic nerve atrophy, retinal vessel fragility and hemorrhages, exudative retinopathy [32,12] Corneal abrasion, infection, blindness (due to retinal abnormalities) Symptomatic and annual exams
Neurologic Cerebellar hypoplasia [33] Microcephaly Variable, ataxia, learning difficulties Supportive
Pulmonary Pulmonary fibrosis Variable, sometimes seen after bone marrow transplantation Supportive, annual pulmonary function tests
Orthopedic Osteoporosis, avascular necrosis of hips and shoulders Fractures Calcium and vitamin D supplementation, supportive care
Hematologic Low blood counts, macrocytic red blood cells Bone marrow failure; myelodysplastic syndrome Consider bi-annual complete blood counts (more frequent if clinically indicated) Baseline bone marrow biopsy/aspiration at diagnosis, then consider annual bone marrow biopsy/aspiration and cytogenetics.
Treatment should based on degree of bone marrow failure (see text)
Leukemia Disease-specific therapy with careful monitoring for treatment-related complications
Gynecologic Pain or masses Increased risk of anogenital cancer [30] Annual gynecologic examinations and as needed