Definition

Anemia is a low level of healthy red blood cells (RBC). RBCs carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When red blood cells are low the body does not get enough oxygen. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, or irregular heartbeat.

Pernicious anemia is associated with problems absorbing vitamin B12. This vitamin is needed to make healthy RBCs. Over time the low vitamin B12 levels will reduce the number of new RBCs. The sooner pernicious anemia is treated, the better the outcome.

Causes

There are many possible causes of pernicious anemia. These include:

• Inflammation of the stomach—atrophic gastritis
• Immune system reaction to:
  • Intrinsic factor—a protein necessary for vitamin B12 absorption
  • Cells that produce both intrinsic factor and hydrochloric acid in the stomach
• Removal of all or part of the stomach
• Genetic defect

Risk Factors

Pernicious anemia is more common in people over 50 years old, and in those of northern European or Scandinavian descent. Factors that may increase your chance of pernicious anemia include:

Autoimmune disorders, such as:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Addison’s disease
• Graves’ disease
• Myasthenia gravis
• Secondary amenorrhea
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Hypopituitarism
• Testicular dysfunction
• Chronic thyroiditis
• Vitiligo
• Idiopathic adrenocortical insufficiency

Symptoms

Pernicious anemia symptoms can vary from person-to-person. They may change or worsen over time.

Pernicious anemia may cause:

• Sensation of pins and needles in feet or hands
• Alternating constipation and diarrhea
• Stinging sensation on the tongue, or a smooth red tongue
• Substantial weight loss
• Inability to distinguish the colors yellow and blue
• Fatigue
• Paleness
• Loss of hunger
• Altered sense of taste
• Confusion
• Depression
• Impaired sense of balance, especially in the dark
• Ringing in the ears— tinnitus
• Cracked lips
• Fever
• Inability to sense vibrations in feet or legs
• Lightheadedness when changing to standing position
• Rapid heart rate

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Blood tests are used to evaluate specific components to determine if there is a deficiency in proteins, vitamins, or building blocks.

Other tests may include:

• Bone marrow biopsy
• Gastric cell biopsy
• Shilling test (rare)—to evaluate the amount of stored vitamin B12

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent pernicious anemia.

National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements http://ods.od.nih.gov

Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

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