b12 deficiency

Question 1

what causes macrocytic anaemia?

Answer 1

impaired DNA synthesis results in the appearance of megaloblasts

Question 2

where is vitamin B12 found?

Answer 2

found in food, meat, diary and sea food

Question 3

how does vitamin B12 work in the body?

Answer 3

1. binds to intrinsic factor secreted from parietal cell
2. complex is absorbed in terminal ileum
3. transported via transcolbamin

Question 4

where is vitamin B12 stored?

Answer 4

in the liver

Question 5

name 3 causes of vitamin b12 deficiency?

Answer 5

1. dietary
2. intestinal malabsorbtion - crohn’s disease
3. intrinsic factor deficiency
4. autoimmune causes

Question 6

what is the most common cause of vitamin b12 deficiency?

Answer 6

pernicious anaemia

Question 7

what is pernicious anaemia?

Answer 7

1. autoimmune chronic atrophic gastritis
2. autoantibodies directed at parietal cells and intrinsic factor

3 –> lack of vitamin b12 absorbtion

Question 8

which other conditions is pernicious anaemia associated with?

Answer 8

1. autoimmune thyroid disease

2. increases the risk of gastric carcinoma

Question 9

clinical signs of vitamin b12 deficiency?

Answer 9

1 .lemon colored
- ‘pallor’
- ‘jaundice’
( due to haemolysis)

2. Weight loss
3. Glossitis
4. peripheral neuropathy

Question 10

How does B12 deficiency affect the brain?

Answer 10

1. neurological abnormalities
   - peripheral neuropathy
2. Psychiatric disturbance

Question 11

Treatment of B12 deficiency?

Answer 11

IM B12 injection every 3 months