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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, usually resulting from a deficiency of folic acid or of vitamin B-12.Causes, incidence, and risk factors 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 agents (methotrexate), alcohol, and other causes. Risk factors relate to the causes. (See also pernicious anemia).Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Examination of neurological signs may show abnormal reflexes, decreased position sense, and decreased vibration sense if related to vitamin B-12 deficiency.Treatment Return to top
The objective of treatment is to determine the cause of the anemia, and the treatment depends upon the cause. Anemias related to vitamin deficiencies are discussed separately.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The outcome is expected to be good with treatment.Complications Return to top
Complications vary with the underlying cause.Calling your health care provider 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: 5/2/2003 Updated by: Ezra E. W. Cohen, M.D., Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |