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Megaloblastic anemia Causes and Risks:
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 nucleic acid metabolism such as chemotherapy agents
(methotrexate), and other causes. Risk factors relate to the causes. (See also pernicious anemia ).
Prevention:
Adequate intake of vitamin B-12 and folic acid is helpful.
Symptoms:
Signs and Tests:
Examination of neurological signs shows abnormal reflexes, decreased position sense, and decreased vibration sense.
Tests include:
Treatment:
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.
Prognosis:
The outcome is expected to be good with treatment.
Complications:
Complications vary with the underlying cause
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms develop.
This picture shows large, dense, oversized, red blood cells (RBCs) that are seen in megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia can occur when there is a deficiency of vitamin B-12.
Glossitis: Glossitis is an inflammatory condition of the tongue which results in reddening, loss of papilla (giving the tongue a smooth glossy appearance), and irritation. Glossitis may be associated with underlying disease.
Glossitis, medium rhomboid: Glossitis is an inflammatory condition of the tongue which results in reddening, loss of papilla (giving the tongue a smooth glossy appearance), and irritation. Glossitis may be associated with underlying disease. In this photograph, only a small area of the tongue is affected.
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