Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific type of chronic, progressive anemia that primarily affects older adults. It is characterized by the body's inability to absorb sufficient vitamin B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein normally secreted by the stomach lining.

Usage

• Pernicious anemia is a medical condition and is used as a countable noun. It is often discussed in medical, clinical, or health-related contexts.
• Example: "The patient's fatigue and neurological symptoms were eventually diagnosed as pernicious anemia."

Examples

• Noun:
  • Untreated pernicious anemia can lead to serious neurological complications.
  • Treatment for pernicious anemia typically involves regular vitamin B12 injections.
  • A blood test can confirm a diagnosis of pernicious anemia.

Advanced Usage

• The term pernicious itself means "having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way," which describes the progressive nature of this disease.
• The condition is sometimes abbreviated informally in medical notes as "PA."

Variants and Related Words

• Pernicious anaemia: The British English spelling variant.
• Addison's anemia: An older, synonymous term.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia: A broader category that includes pernicious anemia (which is one specific cause of B12 deficiency).
• Megaloblastic anemia: A descriptive term for the type of blood cell abnormality seen in pernicious anemia and other B12/folate deficiencies.

Synonyms

• Addison's anemia
• Biermer's anemia

Notes on Meaning

• It is critical to understand that pernicious anemia refers specifically to anemia caused by a lack of intrinsic factor, leading to B12 malabsorption. It is not a general term for any severe anemia. Other causes of vitamin B12 deficiency (e.g., dietary lack, surgical removal of part of the stomach) are not classified as pernicious anemia.

Noun

1. 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)