Background: Ghosal Type Hematodiaphyseal Dysplasia is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by refractory anemia and diaphyseal bone dysplasia.
Case characteristics: A 3 y 9 mo-old male child presented with progressive anemia and bowing of thighs. Child was found to have a previously reported homozygous point mutation c.1238G>A, (p.Arg413Glu) in Exon 16 of TBXAS1 gene.
Outcome: Low dose steroid therapy resulted in normalization of hemoglobin and prevented further progression of bony changes.
Message: Refractory anemia in association with bony deformities should prompt pediatricians to investigate for inherited bony dysplasia.