Research studies have recently documented that 1.9% of person older than 60 years have undiagnosed pernicious anemia. Approximately 20% of the relatives of patients with pernicious anemia have pernicious anemia.
The three forms of pernicious anemia are congenital pernicious anemia, juvenile pernicious anemia and adult-onset pernicious anemia.
Pernicious anemia results when the body lacks intrinsic factor - a glycoprotein produced by the parietal cells of the stomach lining and that is necessary for absorption of vitamin B12 . Without it, vitamin B12 cannot be properly absorbed in the ileum.
Intrinsic factor deficiency in the adult form of pernicious anemia is caused by atrophic gastritis.
Pernicious anemia also may be associated with autoimmune endocrinopathies and antireceptor autoimmune disease.
Pernicious anemia
