Which therapy is indicated for pernicious anemia?

Which therapy is indicated for pernicious anemia?

• A. IM B12
• B. Oral B12
• C. IV Iron
• D. Erythropoietin

Answer: (A)

Pernicious anemia results from autoimmune destruction of gastric parietal cells, which reduces intrinsic factor and blocks efficient absorption of vitamin B12 from the gut. Because intrinsic factor is missing, replacing B12 needs to bypass the intestinal absorption pathway, making direct parenteral administration the treatment of choice. Intramuscular vitamin B12 delivers the vitamin directly into the bloodstream, rapidly replenishing stores and supporting proper DNA synthesis in red blood cell precursors to correct the megaloblastic anemia. While high-dose oral B12 can sometimes be absorbed passively, the standard and most reliable approach in pernicious anemia is injections. Iron and erythropoietin address different conditions or mechanisms and do not correct B12 deficiency.

Pernicious anemia results from autoimmune destruction of gastric parietal cells, which reduces intrinsic factor and blocks efficient absorption of vitamin B12 from the gut. Because intrinsic factor is missing, replacing B12 needs to bypass the intestinal absorption pathway, making direct parenteral administration the treatment of choice. Intramuscular vitamin B12 delivers the vitamin directly into the bloodstream, rapidly replenishing stores and supporting proper DNA synthesis in red blood cell precursors to correct the megaloblastic anemia. While high-dose oral B12 can sometimes be absorbed passively, the standard and most reliable approach in pernicious anemia is injections. Iron and erythropoietin address different conditions or mechanisms and do not correct B12 deficiency.