Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026
06:37
Staphylococcus aureus Growth using Human Hemoglobin as an Iron Source
Published on: February 7, 2013
Pernicious anaemia among Arabs in Kuwait
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|October 1, 1970
Summary
Addisonian pernicious anaemia, though rare in Arab populations, was observed in three cases. Prompt vitamin B12 therapy led to remarkable recovery and sustained normal hemoglobin levels in all patients.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Addisonian pernicious anaemia is considered rare in Arab populations.
- Previous literature suggests limited prevalence in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report three cases of Addisonian pernicious anaemia in Arab patients.
- To highlight the clinical presentation and treatment response in this underreported group.
Main Methods:
- Case series reporting on three patients of Arab descent.
- Clinical evaluation including peripheral blood smear, bone marrow biopsy, and Schilling test.
- Assessment of response to vitamin B12 therapy.
Main Results:
- Three cases of pernicious anaemia were identified in Jordanian and Egyptian patients.
- All patients presented with macrocytosis, megaloblastic bone marrow, and positive Schilling test.
- Remarkable hematological improvement and sustained normal hemoglobin levels were observed following vitamin B12 treatment.
- No evidence of gastric carcinoma was found in any of the reported cases.
Conclusions:
- Addisonian pernicious anaemia can occur in Arab populations, contrary to previous beliefs.
- Vitamin B12 therapy is effective in managing pernicious anaemia in this demographic.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Disorders of Erythrocytes
Disorders of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), include a range of conditions affecting their number, shape, or function.
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
01:30Vitamins
Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced in our...
01:21Overview of Protein Metabolism
Proteins are broken down into amino acids during digestion. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, which are stored for later use, proteins are not. Instead, amino acids are either used to produce ATP through oxidation or contribute to the creation of new proteins for the growth and repair of the body. Any surplus amino acids from the diet are converted into glucose or triglycerides rather than excreted.
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
01:20Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a protein metabolism disorder characterized by high blood levels of the amino acid phenylalanine. This results from a mutation in the gene responsible for phenylalanine hydroxylase, an enzyme that converts phenylalanine into tyrosine. When this enzyme is deficient, phenylalanine builds up in the blood, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, rashes, seizures, growth deficiency, and severe mental retardation. An early diagnosis and a diet restricting phenylalanine intake...
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
01:25Jaundice
Jaundice, or icterus, is the yellow discoloration of the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes. It happens when plasma bilirubin levels rise above 2.5-3 mg/dL, leading to bilirubin deposition in tissue.Bilirubin is a byproduct of hemoglobin degradation. In macrophages, hemoglobin breaks down into globin and heme. Globin is converted into amino acids, while heme is turned into biliverdin by heme oxygenase, which is then reduced to unconjugated bilirubin by biliverdin reductase.Unconjugated...