Volume 2, Issue 10 |
September 30, 2006 |
Pernicious anemia is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor; a substance needed to absorb vitamin B-12 from the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin B-12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells.
When Scandinavian and Celtic (Irish, English and Scottish) decent Americans have been noted for increased risks for pernicious anemia for decades, it is now admitted that all ethnical groups can be affected with pernicious anemia. Therefore, lab testing should be ordered when any of the symptoms are observed and the patient is over 50 years old, since failure or significant delay in establishing a diagnosis and in intitiating appropriate therapy could redult in permanent nerves system damage, heart failure or gastric cancer.
To help differenciate cobalamine deficiency and folic acid deficiency, have Methylmalonic Acid and Homocysteine levels checked. Elevated levels of both Methylmalonic Acid and Homocysteine show a vitamin B-12 deficiency, when a normal Methylmalonic Acid level and elevated Homocysteine level is caused by folate deficiency. The administration of folic acid rather than vitamin B-12 in patients with cobalamine deficiency can correct the hematological abnormality while accelerating the neurological deficits.
Pernicious Anemia-intrinsic factor: 281.0
Other Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Anemia-Vegans, diatery malabsorption with proteinuria: 281.1
Sources:
Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. September 2005.
e-medicine from WebMD. Dr. Marcel E. Conrad, M.D. March 2006.
MedicineNet.com 2002.
| Ingredients | ||
| 1 Tbsp. Lemon juice | 2 tsp. Olive oil | |
| 2 Garlic cloves, minced | 1/4 tsp. Dried oregano leaves | |
| 6 Chicken tenders | Pepper to taste | |
| Directions | ||
| In medium bowl place the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and oregano leaves, stirring to combine. Add chicken and turn to coat with marinade. Cover and refridgerate at least one hour or overnight. Spray a skillet with cooking spary and add chicken, reserving marinade. Cook over high heat until chicken is no longer oink. Add reserved marinade and pepper to skillet and bring to a boil; cook for one extra minute. Serves 2 persons. | ||
Macy's - Thanks to everyone who participated in our Macy's Charity Day at Northfield.
NAMI Walk/Run - Thank you to all who have donated and/or participated in the NAMI Walk/Run on September 10. Vickie Gourley, our team Captain, has raised over $300! Thanks Vickie!
Donations - Remember that any donation to us is tax deductible: just ask for a donation letter. Thanks in advance.
Please take the time to register your patients for our annual Christmas Basket; Last day is December 4! Veronique will be out-of-town for the Holidays, so the baskets will have to be done a little earlier this year.
2007 Calendars are in! Pick one up before they go! Active patients will receive one in early December, while supplies last. We also have company "thank you" cards if you know someone who we should thank for their referral or donation during this year.
Make plans to attend "Wound Care" videos with Sharron Harlan for Hill-Rom on Monday, Decmeber 4 at 12:30pm. CNAs verify with Veronique that you will have enough CEUs for the year.
If you have any idea for next year's in-service subjects, please let Veronique know.
Therapists make sure your license has been renewed!
Flu season is upon us! We hae received our vials of vaccines and can start giving them to patients who need it the most first. Don't forget to have them sign the consent - on the refrigerator where the vials are stored.
As a reminder the CDC also recommands that healthcare workers get vaccinated to avoid spreading the virus to patients and family.
As usual Flu Clinics will be held all over Colorado. Prices are $15.00 to $31.00 depending on where you go. Safeway and King Soopers pharmacies have the most clinics; $25.00. Walgreens pharmacies will also do it for $25.00, but by appointment only. The least expensive is at Rocky Mountain Urgent Care clinics in Aurora, Westminster and Englewood all through November 29, 2006 while supplies last!
More information on www.immunizecolorado.com.
Note: the material provided in this newsletter is educational in nature and not medical advice. It is meant neither for self-diagnosis nor as a treatment recommendation. If you are concerned about any condition you think you may have, consult a licensed physician.