Pernicious Anemia and Blood Group A

  Please can you tell me whether children with Blood Group A are more likely to suffer from pernicious anemia if one of their parents with this blood group had it than the average person? Thank you.
Dear Rose,
Both pernicious anemia and blood group A have been associated in epidemiological studies with a higher risk of developing gastric cancer. On the other hand, whether blood group A is associated with a predisposition to developing pernicious anemia is not known. Genetic factors do seem to play a role in the development of chronic autoimmune atrophic gastritis associated with pernicious anemia. This type of gastritis is most common in Scandinavia where it eventually affects 0.13 percent of the population. Approximately 5-12 percent of these patients will develop gastric cancer. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you want to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: pernicious anemia, blood group A, gastric cancer