Pernicious anaemia
Pernicious anaemia is a common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. It can lead to tiredness, weakness and breathlessness. Once diagnosed it can be easily treated.
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Diagnosis and treatment of pernicious anaemia
Treatment overview
Pernicious anaemia is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK. It can occur at any age, but is much more frequent if you are over 60 and if you have another autoimmune condition such as Addison’s disease or vitiligo.
Pernicious anaemia is due to your immune system attacking specialised cells in your stomach that produce a substance called intrinsic factor.
Intrinsic factor is essential for absorbing B12, and without it you will become B12 deficient.
Vitamin B12 is needed to make red blood cells. A low B12 level will eventually lead to anaemia, which is a reduced number of red blood cells in your blood.
This anaemia can make you feel tired, weak and breathless. B12 deficiency can also cause tingling and numbness in the hands or feet, confusion and dizziness.
Pernicious anaemia can be diagnosed with blood tests, and once it has been found is easily treated by replacing vitamin B12. If you are concerned that you might have pernicious anaemia, get in touch with our specialists who are experts in blood disorders and offer exceptional personalised care to every patient.
FAQ'S
Pernicious anaemia is very common. It is estimated that in the population as a whole, about 0.1% of people have pernicious anaemia.
In people over 60, this rises to about 1.9% of people.
Your stomach produces a substance called intrinsic factor that allows your small intestine to absorb vitamin B12.
In pernicious anaemia your immune system produces antibodies either to the cells in the stomach wall or to the intrinsic factor itself.
This stops the absorption of B12 and leading to the symptoms of pernicious anaemia.
Fortunately, the B12 deficiency caused by the pernicious anaemia can be easily treated by replacing the vitamin. This can be either by a tablet or an injection.
The underlying pernicious anaemia itself cannot be cured at this time. Some people who have had B12 deficiency for a long time may find that the nerve changes, such as the tingling or numbness in hands and feet, may not go away with treatment.
Pernicious anaemia increases your chance of having other immune system disorders, such as thyroid problems, diabetes and Addison’s disease.
If your specialist diagnoses one of these conditions, you will need additional treatment for these. If you have severe anaemia with symptoms, you may need extra treatment for this, including blood transfusions.
Pernicious anaemia is a life-long condition. Without ongoing treatment your B12 levels would begin to fall again and you would become at risk of anaemia or other symptoms of the condition.
You will need to continue taking vitamin B12 in the long-term. You specialist will discuss with you how your treatment can fit around your daily life.
At London Haematology, you will be supported by a multidisciplinary team to effectively manage your condition.