Megaloblastic anemia

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Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells

Hypersegmented PMN (Close-up)

Megaloblastic anemia

Definition:

Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder characterized by anemia, with red blood cells that are larger than normal, usually resulting from a deficiency of folic acid or of vitamin B-12.

Alternative Names:

Anemia - megaloblastic

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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 agents (methotrexate), alcohol, and other causes. Risk factors relate to the causes. (See also pernicious anemia).

Review Date: 11/9/2004
Reviewed By: Marcia S. Brose, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Hematology/Oncology, The University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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