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Pernicious anemia



Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells
Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells


Pernicious anemia

Alternative Names:

Macrocytic achylic anemia; Congenital pernicious anemia; Juvenile pernicious anemia; Vitamin B-12 deficiency (malabsorption)


Symptoms:

Many cells in our body need vitamin B-12, including nerve cells and blood cells. Inadequate vitamin B-12 gradually affects sensory and motor nerves, causing neurological problems to develop over time. It is important to know that the neurological effects of vitamin B-12 deficiency may be seen before anemia is diagnosed.



The anemia also affects the gastrointestinal system and the cardiovascular system. The following symptoms may indicate pernicious anemia:


Signs and tests:

Tests that may indicate pernicious anemia include:

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:




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