Which antibody tests are commonly used to evaluate pernicious anemia?

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Multiple Choice

Which antibody tests are commonly used to evaluate pernicious anemia?

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune destruction of gastric parietal cells that reduces intrinsic factor, causing vitamin B12 malabsorption. To evaluate this specific autoimmune cause, tests target antibodies against intrinsic factor and parietal cells. Antibodies to intrinsic factor are highly specific for pernicious anemia. If this antibody is present, it strongly supports the diagnosis because it is uncommon in other conditions. Antibodies to parietal cells are more frequently found in pernicious anemia, but they’re less specific since they can appear in other autoimmune gastritides and in some healthy individuals; they’re useful for screening and supporting the diagnosis when interpreted with clinical and lab context. The other antibodies listed aren’t typically used to evaluate pernicious anemia. Anti-dsDNA and anti-Smith are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus; ANA and ENA panels screen for various autoimmune diseases; anti-CCP and rheumatoid factor pertain to rheumatoid arthritis.

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune destruction of gastric parietal cells that reduces intrinsic factor, causing vitamin B12 malabsorption. To evaluate this specific autoimmune cause, tests target antibodies against intrinsic factor and parietal cells.

Antibodies to intrinsic factor are highly specific for pernicious anemia. If this antibody is present, it strongly supports the diagnosis because it is uncommon in other conditions. Antibodies to parietal cells are more frequently found in pernicious anemia, but they’re less specific since they can appear in other autoimmune gastritides and in some healthy individuals; they’re useful for screening and supporting the diagnosis when interpreted with clinical and lab context.

The other antibodies listed aren’t typically used to evaluate pernicious anemia. Anti-dsDNA and anti-Smith are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus; ANA and ENA panels screen for various autoimmune diseases; anti-CCP and rheumatoid factor pertain to rheumatoid arthritis.

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