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Alternative Names Return to top
Anemia - megaloblasticDefinition Return to top
Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder characterized by anemia, with red blood cells that are larger than normal. This condition usually results from a deficiency of folic acid or of vitamin B-12.
Causes Return to top
Deficiencies of vitamin B-12 and folic acid are the most common causes of megaloblastic anemia. Other causes are leukemia, myelofibrosis, multiple myeloma, certain hereditary disorders, drugs that affect DNA synthesis such as chemotherapy drugs, alcohol abuse, and other causes. Risk factors relate to the causes. (See also pernicious anemia).
Symptoms Return to top
Exams and Tests Return to top
Examination of the working of the nervous system may show abnormal reflexes, decreased position sense, and decreased vibration sense if the anemia is related to vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Tests include:
Treatment Return to top
The goal of treatment is to find out the cause of the anemia, and the treatment depends on the cause. Anemias related to vitamin deficiencies are discussed separately.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
The outcome is expected to be good with treatment.
Possible Complications Return to top
Complications vary with the cause of the anemia.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms develop.
Prevention Return to top
Adequate intake of vitamin B-12 and folic acid is helpful.
Update Date: 10/30/2006 Updated by: William Matsui, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |