Just wondering whether any members have had this test?
I'm not really thinking about those who have had a B12 deficiency (or suspected Pernicious Anaemia) followed up by this test. Rather has anyone had done spontaneously as the link below appears to imply. As I read it, the words say GPC should be positively looked for in those with autoimmune thyroid disease.
Gastric Parietal Cell Antibody
Also known as: GPC
Gastric parietal cell antibodies (GPC) are directed against a parietal cell enzyme, the H+K+ATPase. The auto-antibody is found at high frequency in association with autoimmune gastritis and a proportion of these patients will progress to develop pernicious anaemia. Gastric parietal cell antibodies are present in over 90% of patients with pernicious anaemia (Highly sensitive, but not specific).
GPC antibodies should be looked for in:
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Macrocytic anaemia
Subacute combined degeneration of the cord
Individuals with other autoimmune disease i.e. thyroid disease
Your GP shouldn't be dismissing your positive gastric parietal cell antibody results! Do you post on the Pernicious Anaemia Society on Healthunlocked? If not it may be an idea to post there. Lots of experienced forum members there too regarding all things B12 related.
Apologies Helvella, not trying to sabotage your post! 😊
"Gastric parietal cell antibodies are present in over 90% of patients with pernicious anaemia (Highly sensitive, but not specific)."
Which should then lead to testing B12, and (possibly) Intrinsic Factor antibodies, Methylmalonic acid and Homocysteine. Then, if needed, B12 injections.
And is it logical to conclude that if my B12 tests have been ok over time without any supplements (like- 500-600-ish) that I don’t need to worry about PA?
B12 and Bcomplex is next in my list - but I haven’t prioritized since it hasn’t been dire, I just need a little fine tune.
I do take B12 regularly - and occasionally a B complex or a B6 or whatever. I tried taking a B6 complex regularly and ended up thinking it was providing much more than I needed (of the other B vitamins) and it would be better to avoid taking frequently.
I’ve never heard of it either. The gastroenterologist that did my endoscopy said that there is no such thing as low stomach acid and therefore no test to determine it.
I think what Hedgeree says is correct. I am hypothyroid and have PA. Even if you are not sympathetic of PA I think it would be prudent for your GP to test for it. Believe me it can become totally dibilitating if left undiagnosed.Good luck.
yes i had it done last year. I didnt ask fot it to be done though. At the time i had recently had an eye test and due to some eye changes the optician had asked if i had been tested for Lupus or whether i had MS - as both diseases in my family i asked the GP to do some tests and they an antibody profile as i had a weak positive ANA result some years ago. As part of the profile GPC was inc and mine was negative……..still got low B12.
Helvella you are a mine of information, for which I am extremely grateful! 😊
I don't think I've ever been offered this test. I'm just off to look at my patient record online. I'm seeing my GP on 12th July 2024 I'll add this to the list.
Update: no, I've not had this test. I searched on both GPC and Gastric.
I've had intrinsic factor antibodies test, which was negative but then it is very inaccurate anyway, only picks up 50% of cases, but nothing else. My doctor kind of diagnosed me with PA as I took prescription B12 tablets for a few weeks before starting on injections.
After blood tests my levels hadnt moved one iota so she concluded I wasnt able to absorb B12 orally. I've had jabs ever since.
Trouble with that approach is that it will leave you deficient in B12 for as long as you are trying oral supplementation. If you start when already seriously deficient, that could be very bad indeed.
But it is rather the ultimate proof. It shows what needed to be shown.
Well my GP, much missed since she retired was my doctor for nearly 30 years and if ever there was an advert for continuity of care and knowing your patients personally, then she was it.
I trusted her implicitly and she wanted to spare me the inconvenience and discomfort of jabs if possible and I'm guessing she also wanted to see if her theory was correct lol. I've had B12 issues since childhood and so I'm assuming she suspected PA.
I was diagnosed by a consultant (not sure if he tested me) and prescribed injections of which the incipients made me ill so I now high dose sublingualy.My B12 levels are always high now and the consultant said don’t take notice of the levels if they are over range it’s ok.
Pernicious anaemia is in my family and others I know make a paste and put it up their nose 👃🏾!
But not to stick up their noses, surely. My 18 year old cat who is in remission from Polycythemia vera (very rare) came up with macrocytic RBCs now. Apparently, like elderly humans, cats and dogs can have low B12 due to not absorbing enough from diet. We are now sharing my 1000 mcg B12 methylcobalamin tablets. Half for me, half for him. Thankfully the tablets are scored. Oddly enough, a weird coincidence, the tech at the pharmacy told me a week before that she has to give B12 shots to her cat once per week.
Usually over here doctors prefer high dose oral B12 but injectible is available at any pharmacy without a prescription. I guess they figure nobody is going to be injecting it for fun.
Actually she just makes it out of the pink sublingual tablets you can get -crushed methylcobalamine B12 and water and don’t answer the door while doing this as people will think you have a nose bleed 🩸😂.
Her own invention and the dr was amazed at how high her blood levels were .
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