BHS, Pittsfield - Megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia is a blood...

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Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells

Hypersegmented PMN (Close-up)

Blood cells

Definition:

Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder in which there is anemia with larger-than-normal red blood cells.

Alternative Names:

Anemia - megaloblastic

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Megaloblastic anemia is usually caused by a deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12. Other causes are:

Alcohol abuse
Certain inherited disorders
Drugs that affect DNA, such as chemotherapy drugs
Leukemia
Myelodysplastic syndrome
Myelofibrosis

Risk factors relate to the causes.

See also: Pernicious anemia

Symptoms:

Change in skin color
Diarrhea
Headaches
Loss of appetite
Pale skin color
Sore mouth and tongue
Tingling and numbness of hands and feet
Tiredness

Signs and tests:

Examination of the nervous system may show:

Abnormal reflexes
Decreased sense of position
Decreased sense of vibration
Serum ferritin Tests include:

Bone marrow examination
Complete blood count
Schilling test
Serum B12 level
Serum folate level
Serum methylmalonic acid

Treatment:

The first goal is to diagnose the cause of the anemia. The treatment depends on the cause. Anemias related to specific vitamin deficiencies are discussed separately.

Support Groups:

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome depends on the cause of the anemia.

Complications:

Complications vary with the cause of the anemia.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of this condition.

Prevention:

Getting enough vitamin B12 and folic acid is helpful.

References:

Antony AC. Megoblastic anemias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 170.

Review Date: 11/23/2008
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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