What is autoimmune gastritis?
Autoimmune gastritis is a disease in which antibodies damage the cells of the body and the floor of the stomach. This leads to a decrease in the production of hydrochloric acid and a decrease in the production of the internal factor Castle, a substance necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.
The disease is often asymptomatic or accompanied by nonspecific complaints such as discomfort or a feeling of heaviness in the upper abdomen. Autoimmune gastritis can be suspected by a decrease in the level of hemoglobin, ferritin and/ or vitamin B12 in blood tests.
Diseases associated with autoimmune gastritis
Autoimmune gastritis is often combined with other autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune thyroiditis, type I diabetes mellitus, vitiligo, and others. People with similar diseases are advised to undergo an examination for autoimmune gastritis.
Diagnostic methods
Detection of specific antibodies in the blood (antibodies to gastric parietal cells and Castle factor). Healthy people may also have antibodies to parietal cells, but they will never develop autoimmune gastritis. Antibodies to Castle factor are more specific for this disease.
Determination of the levels of pepsinogens I and II, gastrin-17 and IgG antibodies to H. pylori for the diagnosis of atrophy and helicobacter infection. Pepsinogen I reflects the number of gastric parietal cells that produce hydrochloric acid. Pepsinogen II shows not only the degree of atrophy, but also the presence of inflammatory changes associated with a helicobacter infection.
Gastroscopy with biopsy is an expert endoscopic examination that allows you to visually assess the condition of the gastric mucosa and conduct a histological examination of the tissues.
Treatment
There is currently no specific treatment for autoimmune gastritis. Therapy is aimed at eliminating symptoms and making up for deficiencies (correction of iron deficiency, vitamin B12).
Observation
Autoimmune gastritis requires regular monitoring, including expert gastroscopy, if necessary with a targeted biopsy from the stomach, as the disease increases the risk of developing gastric neoplasms (neuroendocrine formations). The frequency of gastroscopy is determined individually.
Patients who have chronic iron deficiency or for whom treatment with iron preparations has proved ineffective should be examined to rule out autoimmune gastritis.
Regular examinations, monitoring of tests and timely correction of deficiencies help to avoid complications and maintain a healthy stomach.
Author: Treyman E.V.