Pathologies

Question 1

Achlorydia

Answer 1

• When gastric pits are destroyed
• Associated with a lack of intrinsic factors - pernicious anaemia
• Iron deficiency anaemia because lack of acids results in ingested iron being retained in an unabsorbable form

Question 2

Pernicious anaemia

Answer 2

• Vitamin B12 deficiency - this results from disorders of the stomach mucosa that release intrinsic factor
• Autoimmune destruction of parietal cells
• Crohn’s disease that affects the terminal ileum where B12 is absorbed

Question 3

Iron deficiency anaemia

Answer 3

• body has a small store of iron that needs to be frequently replenished to promote adequate haemoglobin synthesis and RBC function
• Iron is absorbed mainly as haem and as ferrous Fe²⁺
• Fe²⁺ is oxidised to 3+ by pH of 7.4 the acidity of the stomach prevents this and mantains it in the absorbable form
• PPIs affect the acidity of the stomach may result in iron deficiency anaemia