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Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a rare ectodermal dysplasia that often presents with the classic triad of nail dysplasia, skin pigmentary changes, and oral leukoplakia associated with a high risk of bone marrow failure (BMF) and cancer.
No HPO annotations are available for this condition.
The classic dyskeratosis congenita (DC) triad of abnormal fingernails and toenails, lacy, reticular pigmentation of the neck and upper chest, and oral leukoplakia is diagnostic; however, these features are not present in all individuals with DC and related telomere biology disorders (DC/TBD) and may or may not develop over time after the appearance of other complications listed here [, , , ]. The time of onset for these medical complications varies considerably among individuals even within the same family and thus the manifestations of DC/TBD do not progress in a predictable pattern.
Dyskeratosis congenita and related telomere biology disorders (DC/TBD) are caused by impaired telomere maintenance resulting in short or very short telomeres. The phenotypic spectrum of telomere biology disorders is broad and includes individuals with classic dyskeratosis congenita (DC) as well as those with very short telomeres and an isolated physical finding [, , , , , ]. The criteria for classic DC were described by ; see . Note, however, that individuals may develop features of a DC/TBD at variable rates and ages, which can make proper diagnosis challenging.
A telomere biology disorder (TBD), including dyskeratosis congenita (DC), should be suspected in individuals with the following clinical findings. Physical characteristics. One of the following:
No approved treatments are currently available for dyskeratosis congenita. An additional 1 compound holds orphan drug designation.
While no drugs are FDA-approved specifically for dyskeratosis congenita, some of the following designated compounds may be used off-label in clinical practice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a specialist familiar with this condition.
The following drugs have received orphan drug designation from the FDA for dyskeratosis congenita. Orphan designation reflects regulatory interest and does not indicate approval for treatment.
Brand Name | Generic Name | Sponsor |
|---|
The recommendations in this section were discussed at the first DC clinical research workshop in 2008 and updated in 2014 at a consensus conference that led to publication of the first edition of the Dyskeratosis Congenita and Telomere Biology Disorders: Diagnosis and Management Guidelines . Because of the rarity of DC/TBD, the recommendations are not based on large-scale clinical trials. Table 7. Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with Dyskeratosis Congenita and Related Telomere Biology Disorders (DC/TBD)
8 clinical trials registered, 7 recruiting. Interventions under study include drug therapy, other interventions, medical devices, and procedural interventions. Pipeline includes 3 PHASE2, 2 PHASE1. Research is primarily sponsored by academic and government institutions.
NCT ID | Title | Phase | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
[NCT06817590](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06817590) |
Data assembled from 6 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 18, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Source: GeneReviews — "Dyskeratosis Congenita and Related Telomere Biology Disorders"
Source: GeneReviews — "Dyskeratosis Congenita and Related Telomere Biology Disorders"
Disorders with clinical features that overlap those of dyskeratosis congenita and related telomere biology disorders (DC/TBD) are described below. Disorders with Nail Dysplasia Table 3. Disorders with Nail Dysplasia in the Differential Diagnosis of Dyskeratosis Congenita and Related Telomere Biology Disorders (DC/TBD)
Gene | Disorder | MOI | Clinical Characteristics | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
FZD6 | Twenty-nail dystrophy (OMIM 161050) | AR | Onychauxis, hyponychia, onycholysis | Nonsyndromic nail disorder LMX1B |
Nail-patella syndrome | AD | Classic clinical tetrad of changes in nails, knees, elbows, presence of iliac horns | Nails may be absent, hypoplastic, or dystrophic; ridged longitudinally or horizontally; pitted; discolored; separated into 2 halves by longitudinal cleft or ridge of skin; thin or (less often) thickened. USB1 | — |
Poikiloderma with neutropenia | AR | Post-inflammatory poikiloderma chronic noncyclic neutropenia typically assoc w/recurrent sinopulmonary infections (often) bronchiectasis. risk for myelodysplastic syndrome. Other findings incl nail dystrophy palmar/plantar hyperkeratosis. | Thickened, hyperkeratotic toenails are common; dystrophic nails that can slough may also be seen. | — |
Gene | Disorder | MOI | Clinical Characteristics | Comment BRCA1 BRCA2 BRIP1 ERCC4 FAAP100 FANCA FANCB FANCC FANCD2 FANCE FANCF FANCG FANCI FANCL FANCM PALB2 RAD51 RAD51C REV7 RFWD3 SLX4 UBE2T |
XRCC2 | Fanconi anemia (FA) | ARXLAD1 | The primary clinical features of FA are physical abnormalities, progressive BMF manifesting as pancytopenia, cancer susceptibility; however, some persons w/FA have neither physical abnormalities nor BMF. | The 1st clinical manifestation of both FA DC/TBD may be BMF. DNAJC21 EFL1 SBDS |
SRP54 | Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) | ARAD2 | Exocrine pancreatic dysfunction w/malabsorption, malnutrition, growth failure; hematologic abnormalities w/single- or multi-lineage cytopenias susceptibility to MDS AML; bone abnormalities. In almost all affected children, persistent or intermittent neutropenia is a common presenting finding. | — |
Source: GeneReviews — "Dyskeratosis Congenita and Related Telomere Biology Disorders"
Biomarker and diagnostic research for dyskeratosis congenita has been reported in the published literature.
Designated
Exclusivity End |
|---|
Designation Status |
|---|
autologous CD34+ cells contacted ex vivo with EXG-001 Sendai virus vector | autologous CD34+ cells contacted ex vivo with EXG-001 Sendai virus vector | Elixirgen Therapeutics, Inc. | 2025 | — | Designated |
Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with dyskeratosis congenita (DC) or a related telomere biology disorder (TBD), it is important to note that the clinical spectrum of DC/TCB is broad and signs and symptoms develop at various ages and rates. The evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 5. Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with Dyskeratosis Congenita and Related Telomere Biology Disorders (DC/TBD)
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Dermatologic | Thorough skin nail exam | — |
Dental | Baseline eval for oral hygiene, leukoplakia, oral squamous cell cancer | — |
Otolaryngologic | Baseline eval for leukoplakia squamous cell head/neck cancer | Growth |
development | Clinical assessment | — |
Ophthalmic | Thorough exam for complications related to lacrimal duct stenosis, abnormal eyelash growth, retinal disorders incl exudative retinopathy | Gastrointestinal |
hepatic | History of potential swallowing difficulties /or enteropathy; baseline liver function tests | — |
Genitourinary | For males, assessment for urethral stenosis | — |
Musculoskeletal | Consideration of baseline bone mineral density scan at age 14 yrs or at diagnosis; history of any joint problems | — |
Neurologic | If early-onset neurologic findings (e.g., ataxia) or many complications are found in other initial evals, consider brain MRI to evaluate for cerebellar hypoplasia or intracranial calcifications. | — |
Hematologic | Eval by hematologist incl CBC bone marrow aspiration biopsy to determine if signs of BMF are present | Consideration of HLA typing of affected person, unaffected sibs, parents in anticipation of possible need for HCT Pulmonary |
Cardiologic | Baseline eval for cardiac malformations | Genetic |
counseling | By genetics professionals1 | To obtain a pedigree inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI, implications of DC/TBD to facilitate medical personal decision making Family support resources |
Source: GeneReviews — "Dyskeratosis Congenita and Related Telomere Biology Disorders"
Blood transfusions
Transfusions of red cells or platelets should be avoided or minimized for those who are candidates for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).
To minimize the chances of sensitization, family members must not act as blood donors if HCT is being considered.
All blood products should be leukodepleted and irradiated.
Radiation. It is prudent to minimize exposure to therapeutic radiation as data on radiation side effects are limited. Androgens and growth factors. The combination of androgens and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was associated with splenic peliosis ("blood lakes") and rupture in two individuals; thus, the combination should be avoided . Cancer prevention. Given the increased susceptibility of individuals with DC/TBD to developing leukemias and other malignancies, individuals with DC/TBD are advised to avoid toxic agents that have been implicated in tumorigenesis (including smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol), to use sunscreen regularly, and to avoid excessive sun exposure.
Source: GeneReviews — "Dyskeratosis Congenita and Related Telomere Biology Disorders"
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 — "Dyskeratosis Congenita and Related Telomere Biology Disorders"
8 trials found
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
for BMF | CBC | Prior to start; Rpt every 4-6 wks; When counts are stable, rpt every 2-3 mos Liver function tests |
Cancer | Self-exam for oral, head, neck cancers | Monthly; Cancer screening by otolaryngologist; Gynecologic exam; Skin cancer screening by dermatologist |
Pulmonary fibrosis | PFTs | Annually starting at age 8 yrs (or at diagnosis) Pulmonary arteriovenous |
malformations | Bubble echocardiogram | In case of pulmonary symptoms in absence of pulmonary fibrosis Oral dental issues |
Immunologic issues | Follow up based on findings at initial eval | At immunologist's discretion Cutaneous |
manifestations | Full-body skin exam by dermatologist | Annually |
Developmental delay | Clinical eval referral to specialist if needed | At each visit in childhood Opht... |
Source: GeneReviews — "Dyskeratosis Congenita and Related Telomere Biology Disorders"
Estimated prevalence: 1-9 in 1,000,000 (Rare).
Nucleoside Therapy in Patients With Telomere Biology Disorders |
PHASE1 |
Suneet Agarwal |
RECRUITING |
[NCT01659606](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01659606) | Radiation- and Alkylator-free Bone Marrow Transplantation Regimen for Patients With Dyskeratosis Congenita | PHASE2 | Boston Children's Hospital | ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING |
[NCT00027274](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00027274) | Cancer in Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes | — | National Cancer Institute (NCI) | RECRUITING |
[NCT03579875](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03579875) | Alpha/Beta TCD HCT in Patients With Inherited BMF Disorders | PHASE2 | Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota | RECRUITING |
[NCT04232085](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04232085) | Regenerative Medicine to Restore Hematopoiesis and Immune Function in Immunodeficiencies and Inherited Bone Marrow Failures | PHASE2 | Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins | RECRUITING |
110 publications have been identified in PubMed for dyskeratosis congenita. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (37%), Review / Meta-Analysis (27%), and Basic Science / Preclinical (18%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Patient case studies | 38 | 37% |
Research summaries | 28 | 27% |
Laboratory research | 19 | 18% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 7 | 7% |
Disease patterns and progression | 6 | 6% |
Other research | 3 | 3% |
Clinical study results | 2 | 2% |
New treatment approaches | 1 | 1% |
Wen R (2026). [PMID: 41496029](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41496029/). *Medicine (Baltimore)*. [Case Report / Case Series]
García-de-Teresa B (2026). [PMID: 42265143](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42265143/). *NPJ Genom Med*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Deng X (2026). [PMID: 41809525](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41809525/). *Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Moore CA (2026). [PMID: 29083589](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29083589/). *Unknown Journal*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Longhurst HJ (2026). [PMID: 42110436](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42110436/). *Front Med (Lausanne)*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Xie Y (2026). [PMID: 41868676](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41868676/). *Am J Cancer Res*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Portillo AM (2026). [PMID: 42031817](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42031817/). *Sci Rep*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Sekne Z (2026). [PMID: 40234053](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40234053/). *Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Soni J (2026). [PMID: 41741124](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41741124/). *BMJ Case Rep*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Samajdar A (2026). [PMID: 41571462](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41571462/). *Genes Dev*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
AI-curated news mentioning dyskeratosis congenita
Updated Aug 20, 2026
A retrospective case series investigates oral lichenoid lesions in patients with dyskeratosis congenita, providing insights into the oral manifestations of this rare disease. The findings contribute to the understanding of dyskeratosis congenita and its associated complications.
A new study explores retinopathy in dyskeratosis congenita and related telomere biology disorders, specifically focusing on short telomere associated retinopathy (STAR). This research highlights the implications of telomere dysfunction in ocular health.