What is thrombocytopenia absent radii (TAR)?
Thrombocytopenia-absent radius (TAR) syndrome is a rare condition with two main findings. Children with TAR have decreased production of platelets (the cells which help the blood to clot) and are missing one of the two bones from each lower arm, called the radius.What are the signs and symptoms of TAR?
Children with TAR are almost always diagnosed at birth. Signs and symptoms include the following:- Bruising and bleeding as a result of the decreased platelets
- Missing radius bone from both lower arms (although the thumbs are present)
- Short stature and additional skeletal abnormalities, including underdevelopment of other bones in the arms and legs
- Malformations of the heart and kidneys
- Associated features may also include a small lower jaw (micrognathia), a prominent forehead, and low-set ears
- About half of affected individuals experience difficulty digesting cow’s milk