What is the most common form of congenital aplastic anemia?

The most common form of congenital aplastic anemia is Fanconi's anemia. This condition is characterized by bone marrow failure resulting in the inability to produce sufficient blood cells. Fanconi's anemia is a genetic disorder that often manifests in childhood, and its clinical features can include not only aplastic anemia but also a variety of physical abnormalities and increased susceptibility to cancers, particularly leukemia. The disease stems from defects in the body's ability to repair DNA cross-linking damage, leading to the clinical picture of aplastic anemia.

Pure red cell aplasia, while also a form of aplastic anemia, primarily affects only red blood cell production and is not classified as a congenital condition in the same way that Fanconi's anemia is. Diamond-Blackfan anemia is another type of congenital anemia but specifically affects the production of red blood cells and does not encompass the broader spectrum of blood cell lineages that Fanconi's anemia does. Acquired aplastic anemia results from external factors such as medications, toxins, or infections, distinguishing it from the congenital conditions in the question.

Fanconi's anemia stands out not only as the most common form of congenital aplastic anemia but also due to its distinctive genetic and clinical features, making it a key point of focus in both diagnosis and management