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Bloom syndrome (BSyn) is a rare chromosomal breakage syndrome characterized by a marked genetic instability associated with pre- and postnatal growth retardation, facial sun-sensitive telangiectatic erythema, increased susceptibility to infections, and predisposition to cancer.
Features include always present findings: Hepatic steatosis, Malar rash, Spotty hypopigmentation, and Elevated hemoglobin A1c and others; and very common findings: Small for gestational age, Intrauterine growth retardation, Growth delay, and Abnormality of the immune system and others. 96 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Skin | 10 | Facial telangiectasia in butterfly midface distribution, Hypopigmentation of the skin, Malar rash |
Lungs and breathing | 8 | Chronic lung disease, Bronchiectasis, Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections |
Digestive system | 6 | Hepatic steatosis, Gastroesophageal reflux, Gastrostomy tube feeding in infancy |
Head and neck | 5 | Facial telangiectasia in butterfly midface distribution, Narrow face, Microcephaly |
Blood and immune system | 5 | Elevated hemoglobin A1c, Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, Lymphoma |
Growth and development | 4 | Postnatal growth retardation, Intrauterine growth retardation, Growth delay |
Hormones | 4 | Type II diabetes mellitus, Insulin resistance, Male infertility |
Brain and nerves | 2 | Mild intellectual disability, Specific learning disability |
Arms and legs | 2 | Hand polydactyly, Clinodactyly of the 5th finger |
Kidneys and urinary system | 2 | Recurrent urinary tract infections, Nephroblastoma |
Eyes | 2 | Uveitis, Damage to the retina (retinopathy) |
Immune system | 1 | Abnormality of the immune system |
Ears | 1 | Otitis media |
Neoplasm | 1 | Neoplasm |
The range of clinical features in persons with Bloom syndrome (BSyn) has been tracked through the Bloom Syndrome Registry. The clinical and genetic histories have been obtained from registered persons diagnosed between 1954 and 2023, and their clinical courses have been followed . The main clinical features of BSyn are discussed here. Growth deficiency. The most consistent clinical feature of BSyn seen throughout all stages of life is growth deficiency affecting height, weight, and head circumference. Body proportions are normal. The affected fetus is smaller than normal for gestational age. The mean birth weight of affected males is 1,760 g (range: 900-3,189 g) and of affected females, 1,754 g (range: 700-2,892 g).
Source: GeneReviews — "Bloom Syndrome"
BLM encodes BLM RecQ like helicase (1,417 aa). ATP-dependent DNA helicase that unwinds double-stranded (ds)DNA in a 3'-5' direction. Participates in DNA replication and repair. Highest expression in Cells EBV-transformed lymphocytes (20.1 TPM) and Brain Cerebellum (5.5 TPM).
Bloom syndrome is caused by mutations in the BLM gene on chromosome 15.
The BLM protein participates in SUMOylation of BLM with SUMO2,3, BLM mediates dissolution of double Holliday junction, and Long-range resection of DNA DSBs by EXO1 or DNA2 pathways.
BLM is classified as a druggable target (Clinically Actionable, Dna Repair, Druggable Genome, and Enzyme categories) with score 0.5.
No genotype-phenotype correlations have been identified.
Source: GeneReviews — "Bloom Syndrome"
Bloom syndrome (BSyn) should be suspected in an individual with any of the following clinical or cytogenetic findings.
Clinical findings
Prenatal-onset growth deficiency that usually affects linear growth, weight gain, and head circumference and that persists into infancy, childhood, and adulthood
Moderate-to-severe growth deficiency and a sun-sensitive, erythematous rash that commonly involves the face and appears in a butterfly distribution
Moderate-to-severe growth deficiency and a diagnosis of cancer, usually occurring at an earlier age than in the general population
Cytogenetic findings. Increased numbers of sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs)
The diagnosis of BSyn is established in a proband with biallelic pathogenic (or likely pathogenic) varia...
Source: GeneReviews — "Bloom Syndrome"
Genetic disorders of interest in the differential diagnosis of Bloom syndrome are listed in . Table 3. Genetic Disorders of Interest in the Differential Diagnosis of Bloom Syndrome
Gene(s)/ Genetic Mechanism | Disorder | MOI | Clinical Features of Disorder |
|---|---|---|---|
Disorders w/ SCEs similar clinical findings to BSyn RMI11 | RECQ-mediated genome instability 1 (OMIM 610404) | AR | Small size |
No abnormal skin findings RMI21 | RECQ-mediated genome instability 2 (OMIM 612426) |
Genetic testing for BLM is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
No approved treatments are currently available for Bloom syndrome. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
Health supervision recommendations that address diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance for complications in persons with Bloom syndrome (BSyn) have been published . Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with BSyn, in addition to the routine medical history, family history, and physical examination, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 4. Bloom Syndrome: Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Gastrointestinal | Consultation w/gastroenterologist /or feeding specialist | Eval for gastroesophageal reflux feeding issues Lipid profile |
Dermatologic | Careful history skin exam for sun-sensitive skin rash, abnormal nevi, lesions suspicious for basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma | Immune |
Psychosocial | Developmental, neurobehavioral, psychosocial assessment | As needed |
Cancer | Abdominal ultrasound for Wilms tumor | In probands age ≤8 yrs Colonoscopy fecal immunochemical testing to assess for colorectal cancer |
Pulmonary | Assess for recurrent/chronic pulmonary disease. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Bloom Syndrome"
Sun exposure to the face and other exposed skin, particularly in infancy and early childhood, should be avoided. Exposure to ionizing radiation should be minimized. People with BSyn should avoid unnecessary radiographs and CT scans; MRI and ultrasound are preferred imaging modalities when able to be used. Chemotherapy can have significant side effects and toxicity (including secondary malignancies). Dose reductions and shortened courses of treatment are generally utilized for individuals with BSyn. Alkylating agents and radiation therapy are considered high risk and are avoided when possible in those with BSyn.
Source: GeneReviews — "Bloom Syndrome"
Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "Bloom Syndrome"
View trials for Bloom syndrome
Health supervision recommendations for surveillance in persons with BSyn have been published . It should be recognized, however, that these recommendations are based on limited data from the Bloom Syndrome Registry and on expert opinion. There are currently no clinical trials or case-control studies that address outcomes in people with BSyn. Because of the unusually high risk for early development of cancer, much of the health supervision effort is directed to early detection and treatment. Table 6. Bloom Syndrome: Recommended Surveillance
Manifestation | Evaluation | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Skin cancer | Skin exam w/dermatologist for any suspicious skin lesions | On recognition of suspicious lesions annually thereafter |
Immunology | Assess for recurrent, severe, or opportunistic infections. | At each visit Development/ Neurobehavioral/ |
Psychosocial | Developmental, neurobehavioral, psychosocial assessment | As needed Wilms tumor |
Leukemia | Screening family education on signs/symptoms incl pallor, abnormal bleeding, petechiae, fatigue, unintentional weight loss | At every health visit |
Colorectal cancer | Colonoscopy | Annually beginning at age 10-12 yrs Fecal immunochemical testing |
Source: GeneReviews — "Bloom Syndrome"
Phenotype severity distribution: 7 always present features, 7 very common features, 22 common features.
Estimated prevalence: <1 in 1,000,000 (VERY_RARE).
No clinical trials have been registered for Bloom syndrome.
76 publications have been identified in PubMed for Bloom syndrome. Research spans Basic Science / Preclinical (66%), Case Report / Case Series (16%), and Review / Meta-Analysis (7%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Laboratory research | 50 | 66% |
Patient case studies | 12 | 16% |
Research summaries | 5 | 7% |
Disease patterns and progression | 4 | 5% |
New treatment approaches | 4 | 5% |
Clinical study results | 1 | 1% |
Guo J (2026). [PMID: 41898498](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41898498/). *Int J Mol Sci*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Xu J (2026). [PMID: 41990564](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41990564/). *Anim Reprod Sci*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Rangel-Charqueño M (2026). [PMID: 39527697](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39527697/). *Retinal cases & brief reports*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Hafsi W (2026). [PMID: 28846287](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28846287/). *Unknown Journal*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Srinivas BC (2026). [PMID: 41816225](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41816225/). *Annals of case reports*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Rayi A (2026). [PMID: 30725883](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30725883/). *Unknown Journal*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Su D (2026). [PMID: 41867784](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41867784/). *bioRxiv*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Bonanni L (2026). [PMID: 41495437](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41495437/). *Communications biology*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Papaioannou D (2026). [PMID: 41610425](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41610425/). *Blood*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Spindler J (2026). [PMID: 42098304](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42098304/). *EMBO J*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Data assembled from 8 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 18, 2026, 2:23 AM UTC
Patient Advocacy Groups (PAGs) provide support, resources, and community for patients and caregivers.
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Common questions about Bloom syndrome
AR |
Small size; Caf au lait macules |
To date, cancer not observed, but reported persons are all relatively young. TOP3A1 | Microcephaly, growth restriction, sister-chromatid exchange 2 (OMIM 618097) | AR | Small size; Caf au lait macules; 1 person w/cervical cancer in early adulthood2 |
Silver-Russell syndrome | See footnote 3. | Growth deficiency | Ophthalmalogic abnormalities ATM |
Ataxia-telangiectasia | AR | Small stature; Evidence of excessive genomic instability; Telangiectasias; Sinopulmonary infection; Immunodeficiency | Progressive cerebellar ataxia from early childhood; alpha-fetoprotein levels 23 genes incl:FANCAFANCCFANC4 |
Fanconi anemia | AR(ADXL)5 | Small stature; Evidence of excessive genomic instability; cancer susceptibility; Caf au lait macules, hyper- or hypopigmentation; fertility; Endocrinopathy | Skeletal malformations; Bone marrow failure |
MRE11 | Ataxia-telangiectasia-like disorder (OMIM 604391) | AR | Small stature; Evidence of excessive genomic instability |
Nijmegen breakage syndrome | AR | Small stature; Evidence of excessive genomic instability; Immunodeficiency; Caf au lait macules; Predisposition to lymphoid malignancy | Decline in intellectual performance; No telangiectasias WRN |
Werner syndrome | AR | Small stature; Evidence of excessive genomic instability; incidence of diabetes | Premature atherosclerosis; Prematurely aged appearance RECQL4 |
Rothmund-Thomson syndrome | AR | Small stature; cancer susceptibility; Alopecia | Juvenile cataracts; True poikiloderma (not sun-sensitive rash) AD = autosomal dominant; AR = autosomal recessive; BSyn = Bloom syndrome; matUPD7 = maternal uniparental disomy for chromosome 7; MOI = mode of inheritance; SCE = sister-chromatid exchange; XL = X-linked 1. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Bloom Syndrome"
Genetic counseling | By genetics professionals1 | To inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI, implications of BSyn to facilitate medical personal decision making BSyn = Bloom syndrome; MOI = mode of inheritance; TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone Treatment recommendations for persons with BSyn have been published . |
Bloom Syndrome: Treatment of Manifestations Manifestation/Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other Growth deficiency |
Breast cancer |
Breast MRI in females |
Annually beginning at age 18 yrs ... |
AI-curated news mentioning Bloom syndrome
Updated Feb 19, 2026
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