Thiamine responsive megaloblastic anemia syndrome


Thiamine responsive megaloblastic anemia syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder affecting a thiamine transporter, which is characterized by megaloblastic anemia, diabetes mellitus, and hearing loss. The condition is treated with high doses of thiamine.

Signs and symptoms

In most cases, people with this condition experience poor appetite, diarrhea, headache, and lethargy. Thiamine responsive megaloblastic anemia syndrome is associated with progressive sensorineural hearing loss. Additional manifestations include optic atrophy, short stature, enlarged liver, and an enlarged spleen. Some cases may affect the heart, leading to abnormal heart rhythms.

Treatment

Treatment consists of high doses of oral thiamine. Treatment can delay the onset of diabetes mellitus, and reverses anemia. If treatment is initiated early, thiamine may be prevented.

Genetics

The condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion, and is caused by a mutation in the SLC19A2 gene.

History

The condition was first described in 1969 by Dr. Lon E. Rogers, a pediatric hematologist in Dallas, Texas.