Pernicious Anemia - Symptoms & Treatment

Pernicious anemia is a blood disorder. Pernicious anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B12. Patients who have this disorder do not produce a protein in the stomach that allows the body to absorb vitamin B12. Pernicious anemia occurs as a comparatively common adult form of anemia that is associated with gastric atrophy and a loss of IF production and as a rare congenital autosomal recessive form in which IF production is lacking without gastric atrophy. Classic pernicious anemia is caused by the nonfeasance of gastric parietal cells to produce sufficient IF to permit the absorption of adequate quantities of dietary vitamin B-12. Other disorders whi ch interfere with the absorption and metabolism of vitamin B-12 can produce cobalamin (Cbl) insufficiency, with the development of a macrocytic anemia and neurological complications. Cbl is an organometallic intent containing a corrin ring, a centrally located cobalt atom, and various axial ligands.

Causes of Pernicious Anemia

Common causes of Pernicious Anemia

• Vitamin B 12 intake
• Intrinsic factor or parietal cells .
• Atrophic Gastritis.

Symptoms of Pernicious Anemia

Common Symptoms of Pernicious Anemia

• Shortness of breath.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.
• Diarrhea.
• Tingling and numbness of hands and/or feet.
• Sore mouth.
• Bleeding gums.
• Pallor.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Loss of deep tendon reflexes.
• Personality changes.

Treatment of Pernicious Anemia

Common Treatment of Pernicious Anemia

• Vitamin B-12 Injections
• Oral Vitamin B-12 Supplement 
• Establish Cbl deficiency
• Oral Iron Therapy .