Final answer:
Patients with pernicious anemia who do not absorb Vitamin B-12 can develop megaloblastic anemia with symptoms like fatigue and neurological issues. Treatment often involves Vitamin B-12 injections or high-dosed supplements to maintain adequate levels and prevent irreversible damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
When patients with pernicious anemia do not absorb Vitamin B-12, several health issues can arise. Vitamin B-12 is essential for the production of mature red blood cells and normal neurological functioning. Without adequate absorption, usually due to a lack of intrinsic factor, patients can develop megaloblastic anemia, characterized by the presence of abnormally large, immature red blood cells. This condition can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, tingling in the hands and feet, and cognitive difficulties. Vitamin B-12 is also critical for preventing damage to the nervous system, and deficiencies can result in neurological issues which, if left untreated, may become irreversible.
Pernicious anemia is particularly a concern for individuals with conditions like Crohn's disease, those who have undergone surgery that involves the removal of part of the stomach or intestines, and people with intestinal parasites or AIDS. These patients may require alternative means of receiving Vitamin B-12, such as injections or high-dose oral supplements, to bypass the need for intrinsic factor and ensure adequate levels are maintained in the body.
It is also essential for pregnant women to maintain sufficient levels of Vitamin B-12 and folic acid to reduce the risk of neurological defects in their developing babies.