The Collaborative International Dictionary
malignant anemia \malignant anemia\ n. (Med.) A chronic progressive anemia of older adults, thought to result from a lack of intrinsic factor (a substance secreted by the stomach that is responsible for the absorption of vitamin B-12); also called pernicious anemia.
Wiktionary
alt. (context pathology English) A severe form of anemia caused by vitamin B12 insufficiency. n. (context pathology English) A severe form of anemia caused by vitamin B12 insufficiency.
WordNet
n. a chronic progressive anemia of older adults; thought to result from a lack of intrinsic factor (a substance secreted by the stomach that is responsible for the absorption of vitamin B12) [syn: pernicious anaemia, malignant anemia, malignant anaemia]
Wikipedia
Pernicious anaemia, also known as vitamin B deficiency anaemia, is a disease in which there are not enough red blood cells due to a lack of vitamin B. The most common initial symptom is feeling tired. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, pale skin, chest pain, numbness in the hands and feet, poor balance, a smooth red tongue, poor reflexes, and confusion. If treatment is not provided, some of these problems may become permanent.
Although pernicious anemia technically refers to cases resulting from not enough intrinsic factor, it is often used to describe all cases of anemia due to not enough vitamin B. Lack of intrinsic factor is most commonly due to an autoimmune attack on the cells that make it in the stomach. It can also occur following the surgical removal of part of the stomach or from an inherited disorder. Other causes of low vitamin B include a poor diet, celiac disease, and a tapeworm infection. When suspected, diagnosis is made by blood and, occasionally, bone marrow tests. Blood tests may show fewer but larger red blood cells, low numbers of young red blood cells, low levels of vitamin B, and antibodies to intrinsic factor.
Pernicious anemia due to lack of intrinsic factor is not preventable. Vitamin B deficiency due to other causes may be prevented with a balanced diet or with supplements. Pernicious anemia can be easily treated with either injections or pills of vitamin B. If the symptoms are severe, injections are typically recommended initially. For those who have trouble swallowing pills, a nasal spray is available. Often treatment is lifelong.
Pernicious anemia due to autoimmune problems occurs in about 1 per 1000 people. Among those over the age of 60 about 2% have the condition. It more commonly affects people of northern European descent. Women are more commonly affected than men. With proper treatment most people live normal lives. Due to a higher risk of stomach cancer, those with pernicious anemia should be checked regularly for this. The first clear description was by Thomas Addison in 1849. The term "pernicious" means "deadly," and was used as before the availability of treatment the disease was often fatal.
Usage examples of "pernicious anemia".
There was something wrong with my bones, something like pernicious anemia.
In his middle life, at about the time such things were known about, it was discovered that he had pernicious anemia.
The pernicious anemia that occurs due to B12 deficiency isn't that uncommon in pregnancy.
Despite all Pelling's assurances that the shots would only be necessary for a few more months he was convinced that he had pernicious anemia.