Pernicious anemia is a condition that occurs when your body cannot properly absorb vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 is essential for many functions including red blood cell production, DNA production, maintenance of the nervous system and metabolizing food for energy. When people suffer from a B-12 deficiency they can experience shortness of breath, fatigue, nerve damage and, in severe cases, dementia. The main treatment for pernicious anemia is a synthetic form of vitamin B-12 known as cyanocobalamin.
B-12 Absorption and Pernicious Anemia
In order for your body to absorb B-12, your body uses a protein known as intrinsic factor. The parietal cells in the stomach release intrinsic factor, which binds to B-12 to allow for absorption in the last part of the small intestine. Pernicious anemia occurs when the stomach does not appropriately create intrinsic factor, interfering with absorption of vitamin B-12, according to the National Institutes of Health.
A number of conditions can increase the risk of developing pernicious anemia, including type 1 diabetes, chronic thyroiditis, an underactive pituitary or parathyroid gland and Addison's disease. A family history of the disease can also increase the risk of pernicious anemia.
B-12 Injections
Because their bodies do not create intrinsic factor to allow for full absorption through the small intestine, physicians will place pernicious anemia patients on B-12 injections to bypass intestinal absorption. People with pernicious anemia will often require lifelong monthly injections to maintain their B-12 levels. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that during initial treatment, physicians may start patients on daily injections to allow for a quicker increase in B-12 levels. Patients who suffer from gastric atrophy may also take oral supplements, and some patients take B-12 through the nose.
B-12 Oral Supplements
Though the most common treatment for pernicious anemia is B-12 injections, some physicians may choose to treat with oral supplements instead. Taking high doses of oral B-12 tablets can be an effective form of treatment for some patients, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Considerations
Physicians base the best course of treatments on a number of factors, including age, overall health, medical history and patient preference. The extent of the disease and expectations also play an important role in the type of treatment the physician chooses. Injections may be the best option for one patient, while oral supplements may work better for another. Patients will work closely with their doctors to determine the best treatment for their circumstances.
Prognosis
People with pernicious anemia have an excellent chance of recovery with proper treatment. However, people who begin treatment more than six months after onset of symptoms risk permanent nerve damage, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Member Comments