What is Megaloblastic Anemia?

Answer 1

Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder. It is marked by the appearance of very large red blood cells in addition to anemia, which involves the loss of red blood cells that transport oxygen through the body.

Answer 2

Megaloblastic anemia has many causes. Among them is a vitamin B12 deficiency which can be an issue in the DNA of a person. Another is outside factors, like Alcoholism, or a drug interferes with the absorption of folic acid. It could also happen if a woman becomes pregnant and they are no longer getting the folate they need to support themselves and the baby.

Answer 3

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.

Alternative Names

Anemia - megaloblastic

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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

Other less common 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:

• Anemia - B12 deficiency
• Folate-deficiency anemia
• Pernicious anemia

Symptoms

See:

• Anemia - B12 deficiency
• Folate-deficiency anemia
• Pernicious anemia

Signs and tests

For testing information, see:

• Anemia - B12 deficiency
• Folate-deficiency anemia
• Pernicious anemia

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:

• Anemia - B12 deficiency
• Folate-deficiency anemia
• Pernicious anemia

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.

Answer 4

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.

Alternative Names

Anemia - megaloblastic

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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

Other less common causes are:

• Alcohol abuse
• Certain inherited disorders
• Drugs that affect DNA, such as chemotherapy drugs
• Leukemia
• Myelodysplastic syndrome
• Myelofibrosis
• The anticonvulsant drug dilantin

Risk factors relate to the causes.

See also:

• Anemia - B12 deficiency
• Folate-deficiency anemia
• Pernicious anemia

Symptoms

See:

• Anemia - B12 deficiency
• Folate-deficiency anemia
• Pernicious anemia

Signs and tests

For testing information, see:

• Anemia - B12 deficiency
• Folate-deficiency anemia
• Pernicious anemia

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:

• Anemia - B12 deficiency
• Folate-deficiency anemia
• Pernicious anemia

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.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 05/09/2011

A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital (1/31/2010).