Definition
Pernicious anemia is a decrease in red blood cells that occurs when the body cannot properly absorb vitamin B12 from the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells.
Pernicious anemia is a type of megaloblastic anemia .
See also: Anemia
Symptoms
Too little vitamin B12 gradually causes neurological problems. It is important to know that the neurological effects may be seen before anemia is diagnosed.
Symptoms may include:
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Definition
Pernicious anemia is a decrease in red blood cells that occurs when the body cannot properly absorb vitamin B12 from the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells.
Pernicious anemia is a type of megaloblastic anemia .
See also: Anemia
Symptoms
Too little vitamin B12 gradually causes neurological problems. It is important to know that the neurological effects may be seen before anemia is diagnosed.
Symptoms may include:
Keep reading...
Causes
Pernicious anemia is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a protein produced by the stomach that helps the body absorb vitamin B12. When stomach does not have enough intrinsic factor, it cannot properly absorb the vitamin. Nerve and blood cells need vitamin B12 to function properly.
Very rarely, infants and children are born without the ability to produce enough intrinsic factor. Congenital (born with) pernicious anemia is inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder (you need the defective gene from each parent to get it). Most often, however, pernicious anemia and other forms of megaloblastic anemia in children result from other causes of vitamin B12 deficiency or other vitamin deficiencies.
Other causes of low levels of intrinsic factor ...
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Treatment
Monthly vitamin B12 injections are prescribed to correct the vitamin B12 deficiency. This therapy corrects the anemia and may correct the neurological complications if taken soon enough.
Some doctors recommend that elderly patients with gastric atrophy take vitamin B12 supplements by mouth in addition to monthly injections.
There is also a preparation of vitamin B12 that may be given through the nose).
A well-balanced diet is essential to provide other elements for healthy blood cell development, such as folic acid , iron, and vitamin C .
Other Names
Macrocytic achylic anemia; Congenital pernicious anemia; Juvenile pernicious anemia; Vitamin B12 deficiency (malabsorption)
Possible Complications
People with pernicious anemia may have gastric polyps and get gastric cancer and gastric carcinoid tumors twice as often than the normal population.
Persistent neurological defects may be present if treatment is delayed.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome is usually excellent with treatment.
Prevention
There is no known prevention. However, with early detection and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency, complications can be controlled.
Exams and Tests
Tests that may used to diagnose or monitor pernicious anemia include:
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
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