Pernicious Anaemia Flashcards
1
Q
Causes of B12 deficiency
A
Insufficient dietary intake
Pernicious anaemia
2
Q
How is B12 usually absorbed?
A
Parietal cells in the stomach produce intrinsic factor which is essential for B12 aborption in the ileum
3
Q
What is pernicious anaemia?
A
Autoimmune condition - autoantibodies against IF or parietal cells inhibit absorption of B12
4
Q
SSx of B12 deficiency
A
Peripheral neuropathy - numbness and paraesthesia
Loss of proprioception / vibration
Visual disturbance
Mood / cognitive changes
5
Q
Rx B12 deficiency
A
If insufficient intake: oral cyanobalamin
If pernicious anaemia: IM hydroxycobalamin
6
Q
What is the treatment regimen for pernicious anaemia
A
1mg IM hyroxycobalamin
3x weekly for 2 weeks
Then every 3 months.
(more intense if there are neurological symptoms)
