Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia is a medical condition that occurs when the body lacks vitamin B12. Symptoms of this disease develop slowly according to the severity of the vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 functions to produce healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells that contain enough hemoglobin play a role in the body to transport oxygen throughout the body.
Anemia occurs because the number of red blood cells is less than normal or has low hemoglobin levels.
This type of anemia is called “pernicious” because it was once known as a deadly disease. This came from the lack of treatment available at the time.
Pernicious anemia is also known as Addison’s or Biemer’s. Pernicious anemia is more common in people who have a family history of the condition.
In addition, people who experience digestive system disorders such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and gastrectomy are also at risk of experiencing pernicious anemia.
Symptoms of Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia is a rare type of anemia. Some possible symptoms include:
- Weak and easily tired
- Pale or bluish skin
- Decreased appetite
- Pain in the stomach or in the area around the stomach
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Tingling and numbness in hands and feet
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Loss of balance
- Altered mental states, such as depression or confusion.
Causes of Pernicious Anemia
One of the causes of pernicious anemia is autoimmune disease.
Normally, vitamin B12 combines with protein in the digestive tract and is then absorbed in the part of the small intestine called the distal ileum.
In people with pernicious anemia, the immune system will attack the part of the digestive tract that produces intrinsic factors so that the body cannot absorb vitamin B12.
It Turns Out that pernicious Anemia is Prone to Occur in Autoimmune Sufferers.
Another cause of pernicious anemia is a lack of consumption of foods containing vitamin B12.
Types of food that contain vitamin B12 include meat, fish, and dairy products.
In addition, there are several conditions that can cause vitamin B12 deficiency, including:
- Conditions affecting the digestive tract such as surgery.
- Infection.
- Consumption of certain medications.
- Congestive heart disease.
- Liver damage.
- Long-term dialysis.
- Pregnancy.
- Having cancer.
Risk Factors for Pernicious Anemia
Some people are more likely to develop pernicious anemia than others. Risk factors include:
- Have a family history of the disease
- History of Northern European or Scandinavian descent
- Have type 1 diabetes mellitus or other specific autoimmune conditions
- Aged 60 years or older
- The risk of developing pernicious anemia also increases with age.
Diagnosis of Pernicious Anemia
Making a diagnosis often begins with a thorough physical examination and asking questions about your health history so that the healthcare provider can identify conditions that lead to risk factors for pernicious anemia.
Other tests that may occur include:
Vitamin B12 level test.
- Complete blood count (CBC). This blood test determines the type of anemia and its severity.
- Reticulocyte count: This test shows the condition of the bone marrow which is producing new red blood cells.
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. LDH is an enzyme that is found in many cells. Very high LDH levels may indicate pernicious anemia.
Serum bilirubin level test.
- Methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels. High MMA levels confirm vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels can be a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency. The test for antibodies occurs in the parietal cells in the stomach and blocks the action of intrinsic factors.
- Upper endoscopy. A healthcare provider uses a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and lens to look for signs of degeneration or atrophy (wearing away) of the stomach lining.
Pernicious Anemia Treatment
Treatment of pernicious anemia usually involves vitamin B12 supplementation through injections, tablets, or oral supplements.
In severe cases, treatment may require daily injections for several weeks until the patient’s condition improves.
After that, lower doses can be given by injection every few months to maintain stable levels of vitamin B12 in the body.
In addition, patients also need to make changes to their diet to increase their intake of vitamin B12 through foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products.
In addition, patients need to have regular check-ups to monitor vitamin B12 levels in the body and ensure that treatment is going well.
However, it is very important that treatment for pernicious anemia should be started immediately after a diagnosis has been made by a doctor.
If not treated immediately, it can cause permanent nerve damage and other serious health problems.
Therefore, it is important for patients to cooperate with their doctors and follow the treatment with discipline.
Complications of Pernicious Anemia
Complications need to be watched out for in long-term investments. The doctor will identify the possible serious effects of pernicious anemia.
A potentially dangerous complication is stomach cancer. Other potential complications of pernicious anemia include:
- Peripheral nerve damage.
- Digestive tract disorders.
- Heart problems.
- Memory problems, confusion, or other neurological symptoms.
This complication most often results from long-standing pernicious anemia.
This condition can be permanent, therefore effective disease management is necessary.
Prevention of Pernicious Anemia
Prevention can start by taking small steps starting from food intake.
Eating foods high in vitamin B12 can help prevent low vitamin B12 levels.
Good food sources of vitamin B12 include:
- Breakfast cereal with added vitamin B12
- Meats such as beef, liver, poultry, and fish
- Eggs and dairy products (such as milk, yogurt, and cheese)
- Foods high in vitamin B12, such as soy-based drinks and veggie burgers
- If you’re a strict vegetarian, talk to your doctor about checking your vitamin B12 levels regularly.
Vitamin B12 is also found in multivitamins and vitamin B complex supplements.
Doctors may recommend supplements for people at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, such as strict vegetarians or people who have had abdominal surgery.
Older adults may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12.
Therefore, doctors may recommend that older adults eat foods high in vitamin B12 or take vitamin B12 supplements.