Pernicious Anemia (cont.)
How is pernicious anemia/vitamin B-12 deficiency diagnosed?
The first step is always a thorough history and physical examination by a
health care practitioner. The results of this examination are used to help direct
further testing. A number of laboratory tests are available that can help
diagnose pernicious anemia as well as other causes of vitamin B-12 deficiency.
These tests include:
- A complete blood cell count (CBC)
- Examination of a blood smear (peripheral smear) under a microscope, often
performed in association with a CBC
- Blood vitamin B-12 level measurements
- Tests for the presence of autoantibodies to intrinsic factor or stomach
lining cells
- Blood levels of iron and iron-binding capacity
- Folate levels (which are often reduced when vitamin B-12 levels are low)
- Blood levels of methylmalonic acid or
homocysteine, both of which may be
sensitive indicators of vitamin B-12 deficiency
- The Schilling test, a measure of how well the body can absorb vitamin B-12,
is less commonly used today than in the past.
- Finally, bone marrow aspiration or bone marrow biopsy may be recommended in
some cases if bone marrow disorders are suspected
What is the treatment for pernicious anemia and vitamin B-12 deficiency?
The symptoms of pernicious anemia and vitamin B-12 deficiency can be treated
by replenishing the vitamin B-12 supply in the body. If a condition other than
pernicious anemia is responsible for vitamin B-12 deficiency, treatment must
also be directed at the underlying condition. Symptoms of vitamin B-12
deficiency may be improved after just a few days of medical treatment.
Vitamin B-12 is typically given as an intramuscular injection (shot). An
injection of 1000 micrograms (1 mg) of vitamin B-12 is generally given every day
for one week, followed by 1 mg every week for four weeks and then 1 mg every
month thereafter.
Alternative treatments for pernicious anemia include high-dose oral vitamin
B-12, since a lower-efficiency absorption system for vitamin B-12 exists in the
intestine that does not require the presence of IF. However, the oral dose
required for this type of therapy (1 to 2 milligrams/day) is more than 200 times
higher than the minimum daily vitamin B-12 requirement for adults and is
significantly higher than that available in most standard
multivitamins and B-12
supplements. Nasal spray and sublingual (under the tongue) preparations of
vitamin B-12 are also available and are under investigation.
Next: What is the treatment for pernicious anemia/vitamin B-12 deficiency? »
- cyanocobalamin-injection, Cobal, Cyanoject, Cyomin, Vibal, Vitamin B-12 - Consumer information about the medication CYANOCOBALAMIN - INJECTION (Cobal, Cyanoject, Cyomin, Vibal, Vitamin B-12), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug CYANOCOBALAMIN - INJECTION.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) - A complete blood count (CBC) measures the concentration of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood and aids in the diagnosis of conditions and diseases such as anemia, malignancies, and immune disorders.
- Anemia - Read about anemia (low blood cell count, low hemoglobin) causes like iron deficiency, stomach ulcers, medications, colon cancer, trauma, vitamin 12 or folate deficiency, leukemia, myltiple myeloma and more.
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