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Living with Deficiency of bisphosphoglycerate mutase

A rare condition affecting red blood cells and the spleen, in which the body destroys red blood cells too early.

Understanding Deficiency of bisphosphoglycerate mutase

Deficiency of bisphosphoglycerate mutase is a rare condition that affects red blood cells and the spleen.

The body destroys healthy red blood cells before it can make new ones. This is called hemolytic anemia. Symptoms and severity differ from person to person. GARD lists onset in infancy.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD's summary lists these possible signs of hemolytic anemia:

  • Enlarged spleen
  • Pale skin
  • Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Dark urine
  • Weakness and dizziness
  • Fast heart rate and heart murmur

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include blood and bone marrow specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in BPGM are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

Care & treatment

Care team
Blood and bone marrow specialists (hematologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can genetic testing of the BPGM gene confirm the diagnosis?
How often should blood counts and the spleen be checked?
Which specialists, such as hematology, should follow my care?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startInfant
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesBPGM

Changes in the BPGM gene cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

GeneticBloodInherited Metabolic

Also known as: bpgm deficiency; deficiency of bisphosphoglycerate synthase; deficiency of diphosphoglycerate mutase; deficiency of glycerate phosphomutase; diphosphoglycerate mutase deficiency of erythrocyte; diphosphoglycerate phosphatase deficiency

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Deficiency of bisphosphoglycerate mutaseGARD ID 1874 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

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