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Pernicious Anaemia
Medical Questions » Pernicious Anaemia
| Name: Pernicious Anaemia |
| Also known as: Megaloblastic Anaemia; Vitamin Bj2 Deficiency |
| Common cause of anemia due to a lack of vitamin B12. |
Causes of Pernicious Anaemia
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying substance in red blood cells. For vitamin B,2 to be absorbed from the stomach and into the blood a substance called intrinsic factor is required. Patients with pernicious anemia lack intrinsic factor and therefore develop a lack of vitamin B12, which in turn leads to an inability to produce hemoglobin. It is common in middle aged women and is given its name because of its very gradual and ' pernicious' onset over many years. |
Symptoms of Pernicious Anaemia
In addition to tiredness and pallor, patients have a smooth and sore tongue, indigestion, lack of appetite, and occasionally jaundice (yellow skin). |
Tests for Pernicious Anaemia
Diagnosed by blood tests which show abnormal blood cells (megaloblasts). |
Treatment for Pernicious Anaemia
Regular injections of vitamin B12 for the rest of the patient' s life. The injections may be weekly at first, then reduced to one every two or three months.
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Complications of Pernicious Anaemia of its treatment
None significant if effectively treated. |
Likely Outcome of Pernicious Anaemia
Pernicious anemia cannot be cured, but it can be effectively controlled. Untreated, the disease is fatal. |
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