Pernicioius anaemia

Question 1

What is pernicious anaemia?

Answer 1

Is caused due to vitamin B12 deficency anaemia. This can happen due to a lack of b12 in your diet.

Question 2

Pathophysiology of b12 deficiency?

Answer 2

Parietal cells stomach produce protein called intrinsic factor.

Intrinsic factor is essential for absorption of vitamin B12 in the ileum.

Pernicious Anaemia is a autoimmune disease where antibodies form against parietal cells or intrinsic factor, stopping absorption of vitamin B12

Question 3

Symptoms of B12 deficiency?

Answer 3

Peripheral neuropathy
Numbness
Pins and needles
Loss of vibration
Visual changes
Mood + Cognitive changes

Question 4

How to test for pernicious anaemia?

Answer 4

Intrinsic factor antibodies test
check for gastric parietal cell antibodies

Question 5

Management of pernicious anaemia?

Answer 5

Dietary deficency:
Give oral B12 replacement

Pernicious anaemia:
Injection intramuscular hydroxycobalamin