Megaloblastic anemia

Alternative Names: Anemia - megaloblastic

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 of Megaloblastic anemia

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

Megaloblastic anemia Symptoms

See:

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

Tests and Exams

For testing information, see:

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

Treatment of Megaloblastic anemia

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

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.

Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells	Hypersegmented PMN (Close-up)	Blood cells

Review Date: 5/9/2011
Reviewed By: 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).

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