Inactivation of rnh1 in mice causes an embryonically lethal anemia, but the exact biological function of RNH1 in humans remains unknown and no human genetic disease has so far been associated with RNH1. Here, we describe a family with two out of seven siblings affected by a disease characterized by congenital cataract, global developmental delay, myopathy and psychomotor deterioration, seizures and periodic anemia associated with upper respiratory tract infections. This evidence concerns the gene RNH1 and Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections.