Pernicious anemia in childhood.

Two children from different families with pernicious anemia are described. The defect appears to be the lack of intrinsic factor in the acid gastric juice. The correct diagnosis and proper therapy are essential for insuring a normal growth and development. Studies performed in other members of both families failed to reveal any hematologic disorder. The prolonged and close follow-up of the first case enabled the authors to assist in the birth of a normal offspring.