Megaloblastic anemia

Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells

This picture shows large, dense, oversized, red blood cells (RBCs) that are seen in megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia can occur when there is a deficiency of vitamin B-12.

Also known as: Anemia - megaloblastic

Definition

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

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Megaloblastic anemia is usually caused by a deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12.

Other less common causes are:

Risk factors relate to the causes.

See also:

Symptoms

See:

Signs and tests

For testing information, see:

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.

See:

References

Antony AC. Megoblastic anemias. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al., eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 39.

Kaferie J, Strzoda CE. Evaluation of macrocytosis. Am Fam Physician. 2009;79:203-208.

See also:

  • Nutrition

    Folic acid in diet

    Vitamin B9 benefits

    Folic acid is a type of B vitamin. It is the man-made (synthetic) form of folate that is found in supplements and added to fortified foods. Folic acid is water-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. That means your body ...

  • Disease

    Pernicious anemia

    Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells

    Pernicious anemia is a decrease in red blood cells that occurs when the body cannot properly absorb from the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the proper development of red blood cells. Pernicious anemia is a type of . See also:

  • Special Topic

    Chemotherapy

    Immune system structures

    Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and cancer cells. Most commonly, the term is used to refer to cancer-killing drugs. This article focuses on cancer chemotherapy.

  • Disease

    Multiple myeloma

    Antibodies

    Multiple myeloma is of the plasma cells in bone marrow.

  • Disease

    Folate deficiency

    First trimester of pregnancy

    Folate deficiency means you have a lower-than-normal amount of folic acid, a type of B vitamin, in your blood. See also:

  • Disease

    Myelofibrosis

    Myelofibrosis is a disorder of the bone marrow, in which the marrow is replaced by scar (fibrous) tissue.

  • Nutrition

    Vitamin B12

    Vitamin B12 benefits

    Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. After the body uses these vitamins, leftover amounts leave the body through the urine. The body can store vitamin B12 for years in the liver.

Review date:
January 31, 2010
Reviewed by:
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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