Pernicious anaemia
Epidemiology
Pathophysiology
Features
Treatment of the disorder is with 3 monthly treatment of vitamin B12 injections. Folic acid supplementation may also be required.
- more common in females (F:M = 1.6:1)
- typically develops in middle to old age
- more common if blood group A
Pathophysiology
- autoimmune disease caused by antibodies to gastric parietal cells or intrinsic factor
- results in vitamin B12 deficiency
- associated with thyroid disease, diabetes, Addison's, rheumatoid and vitiligo
- predisposes to gastric carcinoma
Features
- lethargy, weakness
- dyspnoea
- paraesthesia
- also: mild jaundice, diarrhoea, sore tongue
- possible signs: retinal haemorrhages, mild splenomegaly, retrobulbar neuritis
Treatment of the disorder is with 3 monthly treatment of vitamin B12 injections. Folic acid supplementation may also be required.