What is pernicious anemia is cause by?
PA is caused by a deficiency of Intrinsic Factor (IF). IF is a required factor in Vitamin B12 absorption through the gastrointestinal tract. IF deficiency is diagnosed by Schilling’s test, as well as Gastric IF analysis and clinical rpesentation (macrocytic megaloblastic anemia, often showing hypersegmented neutrophils, along with normal Folic acid levels).