Pernicious anemia is mainly caused by an inability to absorb B12 due to problems with gastric secretions and intrinsic factor receptors. Which term best describes this condition?

Pernicious anemia is mainly caused by an inability to absorb B12 due to problems with gastric secretions and intrinsic factor receptors. Which term best describes this condition?

• A. Pernicious anemia
• B. Iron-deficiency anemia
• C. Aplastic anemia
• D. Sickle cell anemia

Answer: (A)

B12 absorption depends on intrinsic factor produced by gastric parietal cells; when gastric secretions or intrinsic factor function are impaired, B12 cannot be absorbed, leading to a deficiency. The term that best describes this condition is pernicious anemia, the classic autoimmune-related B12 deficiency. It’s a form of megaloblastic anemia with impaired DNA synthesis in red blood cell precursors, often accompanied by macrocytosis and sometimes neurological symptoms. This distinguishes it from iron-deficiency anemia (iron shortage, microcytic), aplastic anemia (bone marrow not producing cells), and sickle cell anemia (genetic hemoglobin defect).

B12 absorption depends on intrinsic factor produced by gastric parietal cells; when gastric secretions or intrinsic factor function are impaired, B12 cannot be absorbed, leading to a deficiency. The term that best describes this condition is pernicious anemia, the classic autoimmune-related B12 deficiency. It’s a form of megaloblastic anemia with impaired DNA synthesis in red blood cell precursors, often accompanied by macrocytosis and sometimes neurological symptoms. This distinguishes it from iron-deficiency anemia (iron shortage, microcytic), aplastic anemia (bone marrow not producing cells), and sickle cell anemia (genetic hemoglobin defect).