Does Pernicious Anemia cause autoimmune markers in blood tests?

[liaratsoni]

Hi everyone!

I wasn't sure how to word the question so I hope it makes some sense! But as mentioned in previous posts I have been seeing a hematologist for a year for my recurring unexplained neutropenia. Last time I saw him was the first time I had knowledge of Pernicious Anemia and he was adamant I didn't have it but did say that my symptoms sounded autoimmune in nature. I have recently received a copy of a letter he sent to the head immunologist at the hospital asking for their opinion on the suspected autoimmunity and as to my low neutrophil/white cell problems and he also included that my Complement C3 protein is low - typically a sign of autoimmune disorder. I am aware that PA is an autoimmune disorder and since seeing him my doctor started treatment of b12 injections - I finished the loading doses about a week and a half ago and have much of my energy back, much less tinnitus and quite importantly am no longer bright yellow! It's clear therefore that I need the B12 and I have an issue with absorption due to my b12 rich diet (aswell as the iron and vitamin d) and just wondered if anyone on here is aware if PA is something that could cause the low C3 and other blood issues? I know that PA is also frequently connected to other autoimmune disorders aswell so that could also be the case.

Thanks!

[fbirder]

This paper suggests that low B12 causes low Complement Component 3, rather than vice-versa.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/871422

[liaratsoni in reply to fbirder]

Ah thank you so much! I haven't had it or the white cells retested since beginning B12 so it will be interesting to see if they have improved next time!

[bookish in reply to fbirder]

Thank you for that. I wondered why my C3 was low.