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Pernicious anemia
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Pernicious anemia

Contributors: Michael W. Winter MD, Carla Casulo MD, Paritosh Prasad MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disease that targets gastric parietal cells, resulting in gastritis, vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) deficiency, and a megaloblastic anemia. In this condition, autoantibodies also inhibit vitamin B12 absorption. The cause is unknown, and the role of Helicobacter pylori infection in the development of autoimmune gastritis is also unknown. Pernicious anemia most often presents in adults, with an average age of diagnosis between 70 and 80 years old, although there are rare inherited forms that can present in neonates and early childhood. Patients with pernicious anemia are at increased risk for other autoimmune conditions such as autoimmune thyroiditis, vitiligo, and diabetes mellitus type 1. Incidence is increased in people of European and African descent, and females are more frequently affected than males (3:1).

Typical symptoms include malaise, pallor, and dyspnea attributable to anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in both central and peripheral nervous system manifestations (eg, paresthesias, loss of proprioception, poor concentration, and depression) as well as anosmia and atrophic glossitis. Gastrointestinal symptoms (eg, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation) may be present.

If treated, many of these manifestations are reversible. However, if undiagnosed and untreated, some neurologic manifestations can be permanent. The hallmarks of therapy include vitamin B12 repletion. However, this does not reverse the underlying autoimmune gastritis. If gastrointestinal symptoms develop, patients should be evaluated for gastric cancers given their increased risk.

Codes

ICD10CM:
D51.0 – Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to intrinsic factor deficiency

SNOMEDCT:
84027009 – Pernicious anemia

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Last Reviewed:03/15/2018
Last Updated:01/17/2022
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Pernicious anemia
A medical illustration showing key findings of Pernicious anemia : Fatigue, Headache, Vitamin B12 low, Delirium, Neuropathy peripheral, Asthenia, Paresthesias, Dyspepsia
Clinical image of Pernicious anemia - imageId=7407746. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Diffuse brown pigmentation of the fingers.'
Diffuse brown pigmentation of the fingers.
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