Definition:
Pernicious anemia is also popularly known as Biermer's anaemia and Addison's anaemia or even Addison-Biermer anaemia. This is a rare form of megaloblastic anemia which is due to deficiency in vitamin B12 which is caused by an impaired absorption of the vitamin because of the absence of some intrinsic factor especially in the setting of the atrophic gastritis, more specifically, loss of the gastric parietal cells.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of atrophic gastritis which one of the symptoms are to be confirmed through a gastroscopy with biopsies. Diagnosis of Pernicious anemia usually first requires a demonstration of megaloblastic anemia done through a full blood count and also of its direct cause which is vitamin B-12 deficiency done through measuring B-12 levels in the serum. A Schilling's test is also then used to differentiate it from other causes of deficiency of vitamin B12.
Treatment:
Pernicious anemia is often treated through administering supplements of vitamin B-12 because it is cause by deficiency of the vitamin. If it cannot be taken orally, it can also be administered via injection given once in a month.
Symptoms and Signs:
There are various symptoms of the disease which may include 'Fog days', pallor, fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, tongue symptoms including sore, red, or burning, digestive disturbances like upset stomach, weight loss, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, jaundice, fever, malaise, paresthesias, finger paresthesias, tingling or burning fingers, numb fingers, muscle spasms, unsteadiness, movement disorders, weakness, spasticity, personality changes, and chest pain.
Causes:
The known most common cause of Pernicious in adults is vitamin B-12 deficiency. In temperate climes, the most common cause is autoimmune atrophic gastritis. Loss of the parietal cells may also be part of a widespread atrophic gastritis.
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