Pernicious Anemia (anemia due to lack of intrinsic factor)

Clinic A/P, adults, Clinic A/P, Peds, Hospital A/P, Adults, Hospital A/P, Peds

Background
Definition: Pernicious anemia is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor (IF) which leads to vitamin B12 deficiency resulting in megaloblastic anemia.
-The name pernicious anemia dates from the era when treatment had not yet been discovered and the disease was fatal.
-Anything that reduces production of intrinsic factor (IF) by the parietal cells can cause Pernicious anemia. E.g. Gastrectomy, autoimmune destruction of the parietal cells, etc.
Diagnosis
H&P
Risk Factors
DDx and etiology.

Treatment

 

 

Further reading

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