What are other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Addison’s Anemia
• Biermer's Anemia
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia

What is Pernicious Anemia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Pernicious Anemia is a blood disorder caused by a decrease in red blood cells. This blood cell abnormality is generally caused by a malfunction in the intestines, which prevents them from properly absorbing vitamin B12. Older individuals are more likely to get the condition
• Vitamin B12 (or cobalamin) is an essential nutrient for making red blood cells. A lack of vitamin B12 in the diet or intestinal issues can cause Pernicious Anemia. Uncontrolled diabetes, hypothyroidism, and vitiligo are all known to increase the risk for Pernicious Anemia
• Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting are some of the signs and symptoms associated with Pernicious Anemia. In case of a delayed treatment, the possible complications include peripheral nerve damage, digestive tract problems, and memory issues 
• Pernicious Anemia can be diagnosed with a blood test. Following a diagnosis of the condition, it may be treated using vitamin B12 supplements. Current research is yet to find a method of preventing Pernicious Anemia

Who gets Pernicious Anemia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Pernicious Anemia can affect individuals of any age, but is more common in older adults (especially those above 60 years of age)
• It affects both males and females, and no gender predilection is observed
• Individuals of Northern European or Scandinavian descent have a higher risk for the condition than individuals of other races and ethnicity

What are the Risk Factors for Pernicious Anemia? (Predisposing Factors)

The following are the risk factors for Pernicious Anemia: 

• Advancing age; older adults are at an increased risk for the condition
• Having a family history of the condition
• Type 1 diabetes mellitus
• Crohn’s disease or other intestinal diseases
• Gastric surgery; removal of a part of the stomach
• Caucasians of certain European nations are at an increased risk for Pernicious Anemia

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Pernicious Anemia? (Etiology)

The following are some of the possible causes of Pernicious Anemia:

• A lack of vitamin B12 in the diet. Vitamin B12 is found in meat, poultry, shellfish, eggs, dairy products, fortified soy, nuts, and certain nutritional supplements
• Lack of intrinsic factor in the body - a type of protein needed to absorb vitamin B12
• Digestive system conditions involving the small intestine, which include celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and HIV infection

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pernicious Anemia?

The signs and symptoms of Pernicious Anemia depend on the severity of the condition and vary from one individual to another. The signs and symptoms my include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Headaches
• Chest pain
• Weight loss
• Pale skin
• Unsteady gait
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Trouble focusing
• Depression
• Burning feeling in the legs or feet
• Cold hands and feet
• Swollen red tongue or bleeding gums

How is Pernicious Anemia Diagnosed?

The following tests and exams may be used to diagnose Pernicious Anemia:

• A complete physical examination and assessment of the presenting signs and symptoms
• An evaluation of medical history to determine the presence any predisposing factor
• Blood tests such as:
  • Complete blood count (CBC) test to help screen for anemia by looking at hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
  • Reticulocyte count test
  • Vitamin B12 level analysis (a lower than normal level may indicate a deficiency of the vitamin)
• Bone marrow examination, if needed

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the Possible Complications of Pernicious Anemia?

The following are possible complications of Pernicious Anemia:

• Peripheral nerve damage
• Digestive tract problems
• Memory problems, confusion, and other neurological symptoms
• Heart problems

How is Pernicious Anemia Treated?

The treatment of Pernicious Anemia depends on the severity of the condition but mostly includes:

• Vitamin B12 shot once a month, as prescribed by the healthcare expert
• Vitamin B12 supplements

Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional is highly recommended.

How can Pernicious Anemia be Prevented?

• Some types of Pernicious Anemia may be prevented by eating foods rich in vitamin B12
• Control diabetes through proper diet and lifestyle improvements
• However, autoimmune processes that cause Pernicious Anemia cannot be prevented

What is the Prognosis of Pernicious Anemia? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Pernicious Anemia generally has a positive prognosis if treated adequately
• If left untreated, the neurological complications associated with Pernicious Anemia may become permanent; severe cases may also result in fatalities

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Pernicious Anemia:

Following is a list of foods that are high in vitamin B12 (cobalamin):

• Animal foods such as beef, pork, lamb, turkey, and chicken
• Low-fat milk and yogurt
• A variety of cheese
• Eggs
• Fish and other seafood