Pernicious anemia
Evidence: Antibody
Name
Description
Pernicious Anemia
Macrocytic Anemia
Megaloblastic Anemia
A condition in which the body cannot produce enough red blood cells due to a lack of vitamin B12. People with pernicious anemia cannot absorb enough B12 from food because of a lack of intrinsic factor--a protein made in the stomach--which leads to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Patient Groups
Bloggers
Prevalence
US Cases: 1,580,000 [Toh 1997]. 0.1% in the general population and 1.9% in patients over the age of 60. Pernicious anemia represents 20%-50% of the causes of vitamin B12 deficiencies in adults.
Typical Age of onset
60
Symptoms
● Fatigue
● Shortness of breath
● Dizziness
● Cold hands and feet
● Chest pain
● Pale or yellow skin
● Trouble with balance
● Burning sensation in legs or feet which may worsen at night
● Depression
● Difficulty focusing
