Megaloblastic anemia

Abstract:

Megaloblastic anemia is a macrocytic anemia is often encountered in clinical practice and is most commonly caused by the deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid, which are the coenzymes in the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid. The common features of this type of anemia are the characteristic morphological changes of hematopoietic cells, among which the particular one is the appearance of megaloblasts in the bone marrow and megalocytes (macrocytes) in the peripheral blood. In addition to the symptoms of anemia itself, the clinical presentation also shows the digestive and the nervous system related symptoms. Diagnosis is often based on the evidence of macrocytic anemia, with frequently associated leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, elevated serum values of total and unconjugated bilirubin and lactic dehydrogenase, decreased serum vitamin B12 or folic acid levels, and characteristic morphological changes in blood smear and bone marrow. The treatment is based on the substitution of vitamin B12 or folic acid, and the prognosis is generally good.

Key words:
folic acid; megaloblastic anemia; vitamin B12