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Megaloblastic anemia

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Definition:

Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder characterized by anemia , with red blood cells that are larger than normal. This condition usually results 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 drugs, alcohol abuse, and other causes. Risk factors relate to the causes. (See also pernicious anemia ).

• Review Date: 10/30/2006
• Reviewed By: William Matsui, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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