Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Dr. Maria Baer

Ask the Expert

Get answers to questions about Myelodysplastic Syndromes by e-mailing Dr. Maria Baer.

See Dr. Baer's Bio

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis via e-mail.

 

Related Content

Treatment Services

Cancer Overviews

Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Our Doctors

Megaloblastic anemia

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 ).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com