PREVENTION OF PERNICIOUS ANEMIA: RECOGNITION OF THE LATENT STAGE IN RELATIVES

Abstract

The increased familial incidence and the available data regarding the disease in monozygotic twins suggest that pernicious anemia is frequently, if not invariably, transmitted by heredity. The incidence of anacidity in relatives of pernicious anemia patients is increased over that in normal groups of the same age and sex. Anacidity is twice as high in near relatives as in distinct relatives. 61 relatives were examined by histamine gastric analyses and 10 (16%) found anacid. These were considered as potential cases. 4 of the 10 developed incipient pernicious anemia. Two have developed idiopathic hypochromic anemia. Two relatives who refused gastric analyses developed pernicious anemia with severe spinal cord damage. The development of severe pernicious anemia and of its neurological sequelae can be prevented in many instances if all anacid relatives are considered as being potential cases of the disease.