parietal cell auto antibodies

Hi,
I have just found out that I had a positive blood test for parietal cell auto antibodies. I'm seeing the doctor next week, but for now I'd like to know what that means. Is it a definite indication of any particular condition? I have been unwell for a couple of months with tachycardia, muscle and joint pain. Could these be related? Thank you so much for any help or advice you can offer.

[CalGal]

Antiparietal cell antibodies react with the parietal cells of the stomach that make and release intrinsic factor and stomach acid. Intrinsic factor is needed to absorb vitamin B12. When the antibodies are found the doc may be looking to identify the presence of pernicious anemia or atrophic gastritis.

The antibodies can occur with other autoimmune disorders, so the doc may also check for other issues after receiving this result.

[teacheruk]

Thank you for your reply. Do you know which auto immune conditions are associated with these antibodies? My ANA test and other auto antibody tests were fine. I'm just not sure what to expect. Thank you.

[teacheruk]

bump

[CalGal]

In general, the other disorders in which anti-parietal cell antibodies occur can include autoimmune thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus and idiopathic Addison's disease. But it doesn't always mean the presence of the antibodies will MEAN anything other than gastric problems are present. Discuss all of this with your doc. He/she is going to know what's going on and will be able to give you an idea of what's going on.  

[teacheruk]

Hi Calgal,
Thank you for your previous advice. I've been to the doctor today and he didn't seem particularly concerned about the parietal cell antibodies. Is there anything I should think of asking next time I go in? Should anything else be tested? I'm only 23 and my B12 levels were fine when they were tested in September. Will this progressively get worse or can these antibodies just disappear?
Thanks so much.

[CalGal]

It could be problematic, so I'd suggest you continue to monitor your B12 levels over the next couple of years. If you start to see a drop, follow-up on the issue of the antibodies.

[teacheruk]

Thank you. Is it something that I should be particularly worried about? I've been experiencing nausea and gas- could these be related to the parietal cell antibodies?

[CalGal]

Don't stress about it. Just be cautious. The nausea and gas could, unfortunately, be due to any number of things, anxiety being one of them. They're not particularly known to go along with the antibodies unless you are putting out so little acid that you're having trouble digesting your food. In that case you could be passing a lot of 'undigested' stuff through to the small and large intestine - that WILL cause miserable gas (like what can happen when someone is taking acid suppression meds).