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Megaloblastic anemia - Overview

Alternative Names

Anemia - megaloblastic

Definition of Megaloblastic anemia:

Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder in which there is anemia with larger-than-normal red blood cells.

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Megaloblastic anemia is usually caused by a deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12.

Other less common causes are:

Alcohol abuse
Certain inherited disorders
Drugs that affect DNA, such as chemotherapy drugs
Leukemia
Myelodysplastic syndrome
Myelofibrosis
The anticonvulsant drug dilantin

Risk factors relate to the causes.

References

Antony AC. Megoblastic anemias. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al., eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 39.

Kaferie J, Strzoda CE. Evaluation of macrocytosis. Am Fam Physician. 2009;79:203-208.

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