What is Biermer's disease Pernicious anemia?

➢ Biermer's disease, also called acquired pernicious anemia , is a condition in which the body is unable to properly utilize vitamin B12. ➢ Because vitamin B12 is essential for the formation of red blood cells , this condition is primarily characterized by anemia. ➢ Pernicious anemia (PA) is the end state of a progressive disease known as autoimmune chronic atrophic gastritis. ➢ In this disease, immune-mediated inflammation leads to destruction of gastric parietal cells with the resultant loss of intrinsic factor production and the inability to absorb dietary vitamin B12. Dx by macrocytic anemia + vit B12 def and anti-parietal cell Abs and intrinsic factor Ab (PCA and IFA)