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Anemia - B12 deficiency

Alternative Names:

Macrocytic anemia

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the specific cause of B12 deficiency anemia.

Pernicious anemia requires lifelong vitamin B12 injections. Those with anemia due to a lack of vitamin B12 may be told to take vitamin supplements and to follow a more balanced diet . It may be treated initially with vitamin B12 injections.

Anemia caused by malabsorption is treated with vitamin B12 injections until the condition improves.

Expectations (prognosis):

Treatment for this form of anemia is usually effective.

Complications:

The signs and symptoms related to the central nervous system may be irreversible if treatment is not begun within 6 months of when these symptoms begin.
Vitamin B12 affects epithelial cells (cells that form the outer surface of the body and line inner passageways). Therefore, a lack of B12 may cause a false-positive Pap smear .

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have any of the symptoms of anemia.

References:

Chapman IM. Nutritional disorders in the elderly. Med Clin North Am . Sept 2006; 90(5): 887-907.

Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:1232.

Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells

Review Date: 2/14/2007
Reviewed By: William Matsui, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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