Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, a factor responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells. Iron deficiency anemia depletes iron stores in the body hence reducing the number of red blood cells. This results in loss of blood, impaired absorption, decreased intake, or increased demand. Occult gastrointestinal bleeding is the chief cause of this condition.
Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Pernicious Anemia
In pernicious anemia, the intrinsic factor responsible for the absorption of vitamin B 12 in the intestines becomes deficient. For a healthy person, parietal cells of the stomach are responsible for the production of intrinsic factor. These are the same cells that produce hydrochloric acid that helps with digestion. The function of the intrinsic factor is to form a complex with Vitamin B 12 while the food is in the stomach. The complex protects the vitamin from degrading due to the functions of intestinal juices. When the complex reaches the ileum, vitamin B 12 is released and absorbed. Inadequate absorption of vitamin B 12 makes it difficult for proper synthesis of DNA, which, in turn, affects the production of red blood cells. The deficiency of white blood cells and platelets may also occur.
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Similarities and Differences
Both types of anemia are caused by the deficiency of a vital blood component. Furthermore, both of the mainly affect the production of red blood cells. The main difference between the two is that iron deficiency anemia results from depletion of iron in the body whereas pernicious anemia results from depletion of vitamin B 12 in the body.
Impact of Patient Factors on Anemic Disorders
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, with gender and age being the biggest risk factors for the disorder. Women and children are at a higher risk of developing this type of anemia. Ethnicity and behavior have little and close to zero chances of increasing the risk of contracting anemia.
