Abstract Objective: Pernicious anaemia (PA) is characterised by vitamin B12 deficiency due to autoimmune-mediated loss of gastric parietal cells and intrinsic factor. The Pernicious Anaemia Society (PAS) identified 10 research priorities for PA through a James-Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership (JLA-PSP). This study aimed to survey PAS members to identify and characterise a cohort of patients to form a PA research repository. Methods: An online survey was designed using SurveyMonkey, comprising 21 questions on diagnosis, comorbidities, family history, and management. The survey was sent to 3,482 PAS members (April-September 2022) via the PAS website and email. Results: A total of 1,191 PAS members completed the survey. Among individuals with a probable (n=471) or suspected PA (n=500) diagnosis, 84% were UK-based, and 81% were female, with an age range of 23-93 years. Diagnosis was predominantly based on low serum B12 (50%), positive intrinsic factor (38%), and/or parietal cell autoantibodies (15%). Diagnostic delays were common, with 37% waiting ≥3 years for a diagnosis. Nearly half had one or more other autoimmune diseases. One-third reported having at least 2 and up to 7 family members with PA or other autoimmune diseases. Vitamin B12 treatment frequency varied widely, ranging from daily to 3-monthly injections. Conclusion: This study highlights gaps in current diagnostic and management approaches for PA, paving the way for future work in line with the JLA-PSP research priorities. By characterising a cohort of PA patients and compiling baseline data, we provide a foundation for research to develop more effective diagnostic and management strategies.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This study was funded by the Univeristy of Surrey and the Pernicious Anaemia Society

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Research Integrity and Governance Office of University of Surrey waived ethical approval for this work

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All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors