Disease Information for Pernicious anemia: Definition

A megaloblastic anemia occurring in children but more commonly in later life, characterized by histamine-fast achlorhydria, in which the laboratory and clinical manifestations are based on malabsorption of vitamin B 12 due to a failure of the gastric mucosa to secrete adequate and potent intrinsic factor; (Dorland, 27th ed)------------------------Anemia, Pernicious; Addison"s Anemia; Addison-Biermer Anemia; Addisonian Pernicious Anemia; Primary Anemia; Pernicious Anemia is a rare blood disorder characterized by the inability of the body to properly utilize vitamin B12 (a cobalamin), which is essential for the development of red blood cells; The symptoms of Pernicious Anemia may include weakness, fatigue, an upset stomach, an abnormally rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), and/or chest pains; Recurring episodes of anemia (megaloblastic) and an abnormal yellow coloration of the skin (jaundice) are also common; Pernicious Anemia is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, and certain people may have a genetic predisposition to this disorder;

The three recognized forms of Pernicious Anemia include: Congenital Pernicious Anemia, Juvenile Pernicious Anemia, and Adult Onset Pernicious Anemia; The subdivisions are based on the age at onset and the precise nature of the defect causing impaired B12 utilization (eg, absence of intrinsic factor)----[NORD 2005]----

(Edit)