Resolution of breath-holding spells with treatment of concomitant anemia

We describe two children who had breath-holding spells that were accelerating in frequency and severity and in one case had recrudesced. Both patients had signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings of severe anemia. With correction of anemia the breath-holding spells promptly and completely resolved in each case. We conclude that in some patients anemia may be a factor contributing to breath-holding spells and that correction of concomitant anemia may produce amelioration or remission of the spells.