Health Encyclopedia

Megaloblastic anemia

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.

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.

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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