Megaloblastic anemia

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Megaloblastic anemia

Definition

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.

Alternative Names

Anemia - megaloblastic

Causes

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).


Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells


Hypersegmented PMN (Close-up)


Blood cells

Review Date: 10/30/2006
Reviewed 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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