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Pernicious anaemia diagnosis

Ferrett1 profile image
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I have low ferritin, low folate, low hb, low b12, positive partial antibody screen but negative intrinsic factor screen. GP says it is not pernicious anaemia hb fell to 6.1 is now 9.1 after blood transfusion in hospital, was also septic ventilated ITU 10 days. I have read that it can be either positive parietal cell and or intrinsic factor which is right. Do I have pernicious anaemia or not

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Ferrett1
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clivealive profile image
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Hi Ferrett1 Sadly the IFA test is unreliable in that it gives false negatives in people with PA half the time. So a negative result doesn't mean that you don't have PA. However, a positive result is a sure-fire, 95% certain indicator of PA.

Treatment for PA and non-dietary vitamin B12 deficiency is virtually the same.

The symptoms of PA are the symptoms of the B12 deficiency that it causes. If the cause isn't dietary then it is an absorption problem so you need to find another way of replenishing B12 initially. Most absorption problems aren't treatable but a few are - notably h pylori infection - which would mean that once that has been dealt with you would be able to absorb B12 from your diet so wouldn't need maintenance shots for life.

What treatment is your doctor giving you?

Anyone at any age, can become B12 deficient. However, certain people are at an elevated risk. They include the following:

Vegetarians, vegans and people eating macrobiotic diets.

People aged sixty and over

People who’ve undergone any gastric and/or intestinal surgery, including bariatric surgery for weight loss purposes (Gastric bypass).

People who regularly use proton-pump- inhibitors. H2 blockers, antacids, Metformin, and related diabetes drugs, or other medications, or infections such as h-pylori that can interfere with B12 absorption.

People who undergo surgeries or dental procedures involving nitrous oxide, or who use the drug recreationally.

People with a history of eating disorders (anorexia or bulimia).

People with a history of alcoholism.

People with a family history of pernicious anaemia.

People diagnosed with anaemia (including iron deficiency anaemia, sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia).

People with Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gluten enteropathy (celiac disease), Pancreatic insufficiency, or any other disease that cause malabsorption of nutrients.

People with autoimmune disorders (especially thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Grave’s disease) Type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, lupus, Addison’s disease, ulcerative colitis, infertility, acquired agammaglobulinemia, or a family history of these disorders.

Women with a history of infertility or multiple miscarriages.

Can you "see yourself" in any of the above?

I am not a medically trained person but I've had Pernicious Anaemia (one of many causes of B12 deficiency) for more than 46 years.

I wish you well.

Ferrett1 profile image
Ferrett1 in reply to clivealive

Thanks for your response, all I know is my ferritin, b12, folic, are all low hb fell to 6.1 was transfused in hospital, given 1 b12 shot and will re- test in 6 months so not due bloods until June Hb is now 9.1 after transfusion and stayed that way for months. Took months to get blood test by Gp even though hospital wanted one a fortnight after discharge. Gp said need positive test for intrinsic factor antibody as well as anti-parietal antibody, I have antiparietal antibody but no intrinsic factor antibody. So I guess I am confused about whether it is PA or not. You have helped with some of your reply many thanks Caroline

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