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Living with Methemoglobin reductase deficiency

An inherited blood condition in which an enzyme that protects red blood cells is missing.

Understanding Methemoglobin reductase deficiency

Methemoglobin reductase deficiency is an inherited blood disorder caused by too little of an enzyme called NADPH-methemoglobin reductase.

A methylene-blue screening test, usually used to detect G6PD deficiency, shows abnormal red blood cells, but G6PD activity is normal.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.

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

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
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
What tests confirm this diagnosis?
Which specialists, such as hematologists, should I see?
Are there medicines or exposures I should avoid?

Quick facts

It is caused by too little of the enzyme NADPH-methemoglobin reductase. It is autosomal recessive, meaning a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

Also known as: nadph-dependent methemoglobin reductase deficiency; tpnh-methemoglobin reductase deficiency

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Methemoglobin reductase deficiencyGARD ID 3909 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Methemoglobin reductase deficiency.

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Explore research for Methemoglobin reductase deficiency

Explore actively recruiting Methemoglobin reductase deficiency studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Methemoglobin reductase deficiency with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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