Severe Pernicious Anemia: A Case Report

TL;DR

This case report discusses pernicious anemia, an autoimmune condition causing vitamin B12 deficiency, and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Contribution

The paper contributes a case report highlighting diagnostic challenges and the importance of timely intervention in pernicious anemia.

Findings

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disease causing vitamin B12 deficiency.

Early recognition and treatment can improve quality of life in affected patients.

Non-specific symptoms like fatigue require careful clinical evaluation for timely diagnosis.

Abstract

Pernicious anemia is an infrequent condition and a recognized cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. It is an autoimmune disease that impairs the absorption of vitamin B12, leading to a significant reduction in its uptake. Clinical manifestations are often subtle and non-specific, yet potentially debilitating, which may delay diagnosis. However, with early recognition in primary care and appropriate replacement therapy, patients can recover their quality of life. Fatigue and asthenia are common complaints in primary care, highlighting the importance of careful clinical evaluation in the presence of nonspecific symptoms. Timely laboratory investigations are essential for the early detection of the disease and the prevention of serious complications.