Bone marrow failure syndromes are rare disorders characterized by bone marrow hypocellularity and resultant peripheral cytopenias. The most frequent form is acquired, so-called aplastic anemia or idiopathic aplastic anemia, an auto-immune disorder frequently associated with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, whereas inherited bone marrow failure syndromes are related to pathogenic germline variants. Among newly identified germline variants, GATA2 deficiency and SAMD9/9L syndromes have a special significance. Other germline variants impacting biological processes, such as DNA repair, telomere biology, and ribosome biogenesis, may cause major syndromes including Fanconi anemia, dyskeratosis congenita, Diamond-Blackfan anemia, and Shwachman-Diamond syndrome. Bone marrow failure syndromes are at risk of secondary progression towards myeloid neoplasms in the form of myelodysplastic neoplasms or acute myeloid leukemia. Acquired clonal cytogenetic abnormalities may be present before or at the onset of progression; some have prognostic value and/or represent somatic rescue mechanisms in inherited syndromes. On the other hand, the differential diagnosis between aplastic anemia and hypoplastic myelodysplastic neoplasm remains challenging. Here we discuss the value of cytogenetic abnormalities in bone marrow failure syndromes and propose recommendations for cytogenetic diagnosis and follow-up.

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome is a rare disorder that can develop malignant and nonmalignant hematological complications. Overall, 10% to 20% of Shwachman-Diamond patients need hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), but most centers have a limited experience and different approaches. The European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation-Severe Aplastic Anaemia Working Party promoted an expert consensus to propose recommendations regarding key issues in the management of Shwachman-Diamond patients with hematological complications. The main items identified as relevant for improving survival were: the importance of regular and structured hematologic follow-up, the potential reduction of transplant-related mortality by using reduced-intensity conditioning regimens, the limitation of total body irradiation, particularly for non-malignant severe cytopenia/bone marrow failure, the early diagnosis of clonal malignant evolution and early recognition of an indication for HSCT. Finally, the poor results of HSCT in patients with acute myeloid leukemia, irrespective of cytoreductive chemotherapy treatment received prior to transplantation, highlights the need for innovative approaches. © 2023 American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and bone marrow failure, often associated with neurodevelopmental and skeletal abnormalities. Mutations in the SBDS gene have been shown to cause SDS. The purpose of this document is to provide draft guidelines for diagnosis, evaluation of organ and system abnormalities, and treatment of hematologic, pancreatic, dietary, dental, skeletal, and neurodevelopmental complications. New recommendations regarding diagnosis and management are presented, reflecting advances in understanding the genetic basis and clinical manifestations of the disease based on the consensus of experienced clinicians from Canada, Europe, and the United States. Whenever possible, evidence-based conclusions are made, but as with other rare diseases, the data on SDS are often anecdotal. The authors welcome comments from readers.