Pernicious anemia and the presence of antibodies involved in the development of this disease and other autoimmune diseases

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Pernicious Anemia (PA) is an autoimmune hematopoietic disease. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of autoantibodies in patients with PA participating in the pathogenesis of the disease as well as the development of other autoimmune disorders - Connective Tissue Diseases (CTD) and Celiac Disease (CD).  We have also strived to document the potential usefulness of the specific diagnostic and screening tests in patients affected with PA. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study group consisted of 124 women and men with newly diagnosed PA and a control group (C) of 41 healthy people. Antibodies against intrinsic factor (IFAb), parietal cells (APCA), endomysium (EmA), and nuclear components (ANA) were determined in blood samples. RESULTS Within the study group, the presence of antibodies involved in the pathogenesis of PA can be classified as 61.3% for IFAb or APCA, 46.0% for APCA, 30.6% for IFAb, 15.3% for IFAb and APCA. Statistical analysis shows that there is no significant difference in the occurrence of ANA and EmA between the PA and C groups. However, ANA was found in 16.1% of PA patients and in 4.9% of the controls. The occurrence of EmA in both groups is similar (3.2 vs. 2.4%), although, it has been shown that patients with IFAb or APCA are more prone to be EmA positive. CONCLUSIONS Simultaneous determination of IFAb and APCA significantly increases the possibility to confirm the diagnosis of PA. Also, screening assessment for CTD and CD may be considered in patients with PA.