Vitamin B12 deficiency Flashcards
1
Q
Define vitamin B12 deficiency
A
having insufficient vitamin B12 to meet demands
2
Q
what is the most common cause of B12 deficiency?
A
• Pernicious anaemia
3
Q
how does pernicious anaemia work?
A
- B12 absorption occurs in the terminal ileum and needs intrinsic factor.
- intrinsic factor is produced by gastric parietal cells
- pernicious anaemia destroys the gastric glands therefore the parietal cells
4
Q
other causes of B12 deficiency?
A
- gastrectomy
- atrophic gastritis
- Inadequate intake
5
Q
epidemiology of B12 deficiency?
A
older age
6
Q
presenting symptoms of vitamin B12?
A
• Typical anaemia symptoms + Neurological symptoms
o 1. Proprioception and vibration sense disturbed
o 2. Paraesthesia on peripheries
o Cognitive changes
o Visual disturbances
7
Q
signs of vitamin B12 deficiency?
A
- Pallor
- Glossitis
- Angular stomatitis
8
Q
what are the appropriate investigations for vitamin B12?
A
- there is no gold standard
- there are some new tests
9
Q
what will a blood film show?
A
o Hypersegmented neutrophils
10
Q
what is the best test for pernicious anaemia?
A
o Anti-intrinsic factor antibodies
