Reticulocyte count in pernicious anemia is typically which of the following?

Reticulocyte count in pernicious anemia is typically which of the following?

• A. High
• B. Low
• C. Normal
• D. Variable

Answer: (B)

Reticulocyte count reflects how well the bone marrow is able to produce new red blood cells. In pernicious anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency impairs DNA synthesis in developing erythroblasts, causing megaloblastic, ineffective erythropoiesis. Because the marrow can’t properly mature and release new cells, there is a reduced production of reticulocytes, so the circulating reticulocyte count is low despite the anemia. A low reticulocyte count indicates production failure rather than increased destruction or loss. After B12 therapy, the reticulocyte count typically rises as the marrow resumes effective erythropoiesis. Therefore, the typical reticulocyte count in pernicious anemia is low.

Reticulocyte count reflects how well the bone marrow is able to produce new red blood cells. In pernicious anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency impairs DNA synthesis in developing erythroblasts, causing megaloblastic, ineffective erythropoiesis. Because the marrow can’t properly mature and release new cells, there is a reduced production of reticulocytes, so the circulating reticulocyte count is low despite the anemia. A low reticulocyte count indicates production failure rather than increased destruction or loss. After B12 therapy, the reticulocyte count typically rises as the marrow resumes effective erythropoiesis. Therefore, the typical reticulocyte count in pernicious anemia is low.