Information and Resources

Font Size

Anemia, Pernicious

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Anemia, Perniciousis not the name you expected.

Synonyms

Addison's Anemia
Addison-Biermer Anemia
Addisonian Pernicious Anemia
Primary Anemia

Disorder Subdivisions

Congenital Pernicious Anemia due to Defect of Intrinsic Factor
Gastric Intrinsic Factor, Failure of Secretion
Enterocyte Cobalamin Malabsorption
Enterocyte Intrinsic Factor Receptor, Defect of
Adult Onset Pernicious Anemia
Juvenile Intestinal Malabsorption of Vit B12

General Discussion

Pernicious anemia is a rare blood disorder characterized by the inability of the body to properly utilize vitamin B12, which is essential for the development of red blood cells. Most cases result from the lack of the gastric protein known as intrinsic factor, without which vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed.

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.

There is a rare congenital form of pernicious anemia in which babies are born lacking the ability to produce effective intrinsic factor. There is also a juvenile form of the disease, but pernicious anemia typically does not appear before the age of 30. The onset of the disease is slow and may span decades. When the disease goes undiagnosed and untreated for a long period of time, it may lead to neurological complications. Nerve cells and blood cells need vitamin B12 to function properly.

Resources

The Arc (a national organization on mental retardation)
1010 Wayne Ave
Suite 650
Silver Spring
MD
20910
Tel: (301)565-3842
Fax: (301)565-3843
800: (800)433-5255
TDD: (817)277-0553
info@thearc.org
http://www.thearc.org/

American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc.
22100 Gratiot Avenue
Eastpointe
MI
48021-2227
Tel: (586)776-3900
Fax: (586)776-3903
800: (800)598-4668
aarda@aarda.org
http://www.aarda.org/

NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
31 Center Drive MSC 2480
Building 31A Rm 4A16
Bethesda
MD
20892-2480
Tel: (301)592-8573
Fax: (240)629-3246
nhlbiinfo@rover.nhlbi.nih.gov
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/

Autoimmune Information Network, Inc
PO Box 4121
Brick
NJ
08723
Tel: (732)664-9259
autoimmunehelp@aol.com
http://www.aininc.org

European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID)
c/o Dr. Esther de Vries
Jeroen Bosch Hospital
Dept. Paediatrics
P.O. Box 90153
Hertogenbosch
5200 ME's
Netherlands
Tel: +31 73-6992965
Fax: +31 73-6992948
info@esid.org
http://www.esid.org

AutoImmunity Community
Tel: (919) 552-9057
bandrews@autoimmunitycommunity.org
http://autoimmunitycommunity.org

For a Complete Report:

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 5/27/2008
Copyright 1986, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2005 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders

Last Updated: May 27, 2008

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.