Pernicious anemia
Pernicious anemia is a medical problem that causes a person to have too few red blood cells (anemia) because their intestines cannot absorb vitamin B12 properly.[1] A special protein, called intrinsic factor, helps the body get vitamin B12 from food such as meat, poultry and dairy foods. Intrinsic factor is made by cells in the stomach.[1] If there is not enough intrinsic factor, the small intestine is unable to get the vitamin B12.
There are several causes of pernicious anemia. These include a weakened stomach lining or a problem with the body's immune system, which causes it to attack the intrinsic factor.[1] In some rare cases it can be passed down through families. Treatment is usually a regular injection of vitamin B12.[1]
Intrinsic factor was discovered by Thomas Addison.
Pernicious Anemia Media
Atrophic gastritis showing patchy atrophy of oxyntic mucosa
Immunofluorescence staining pattern of gastric parietal cell antibodies on a stomach section
Hydroxocobalamin injection usp(1000 mcg/ml) is a clear red liquid solution of hydroxocobalamin which is available in a 30-ml brown glass multidose vial packaged in a paper box. Shown is 500 mcg B-12 (as 1/2 cc) drawn up in a 0.5-cc U-100 27 gauge x 1/2" insulin syringe, as prepared for subcutaneous injection.
1930 advert for liver extract to treat pernicious anemia
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Pernicious anemia". Pub Med Health. 8 February 2012. Retrieved 7 October 2012.