Pernicious Anemia Research Paper

Pernicious anemia is blood disease occurring rarely and defined as inefficient use of vitamin B12 and gastric intrinsic factor. Megaloblastic anemias were initially all termed pernicious anemia. Megaloblastic anemias were very fatal for those diagnosed. Pernicious translates to highly injurious or fatal because the disease was once not treatable. Megaloblastic anemias constitute any anemia that hinders DNA synthesis of red blood cells. Red blood cells require vitamin B12 for structural development. Intrinsic factor absorbs vitamin B12 within the gastric system. The root cause of pernicious anemia is believed to be an autoimmune disease of genetic inheritance (Juncà 2006). Antibodies begin to defend the body from good, healthy tissue thought to be negative, foreign invaders is a simple definition of autoimmune …show more content…
Pernicious anemia has a tendency to development other diseases in tandem with it’s own symptoms. One common dual diagnosis is atrophic gastritis, caused by antibodies defending against stomach cells that secrete digestive juices and intrinsic factor. Individuals diagnosed with atrophic gastritis typically show a current or previous infection of H. pylori. A clinical laboratory test called a Schilling test is typical for diagnosis. Vitamin B12 combined with a radioactive substance is ingested by mouth. X-rays will prove if the vitamin is being properly absorbed within the gastric system. Another more common version of diagnosis is via a complete blood count (CBC). Laboratories will draw blood from the patient and analyze the contents down to the amount of B12 present in the patients system. Symptoms of pernicious anemia are varying but commonly include asthenia, dyspepsia, jaundice, tachycardia, and angina. Long term treatment requires intramuscular injections of B12 at metered dosages