What does megaloblastic anemia mean?
Megaloblastic anemia is a condition in which the bone marrow produces unusually large, structurally abnormal, immature red blood cells (megaloblasts). Bone marrow, the soft spongy material found inside certain bones, produces the main blood cells of the body -red cells, white cells, and platelets.
What is another name for megaloblastic anemia?
Depending on its cause, megaloblastic anemia may also be referred to as: macrocytic anemia, which occurs when RBCs are larger than normal. folic acid deficiency anemia or folate deficiency anemia. pernicious anemia.
Can vitamin B12 deficiency cause megaloblastic anemia?
Anemias caused by a lack of vitamin B12 or a lack of folate are 2 types of megaloblastic anemia. With these types of anemia, the red blood cells don’t develop normally. They are very large. And they are shaped like an oval, not round like healthy red blood cells.
What is B12 anemia called?
Pernicious anemia is a type of vitamin B12 anemia. The body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells. You get this vitamin from eating foods such as meat, poultry, shellfish, eggs, and dairy products.
Why is folic acid used for megaloblastic anemia?
Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps your body make red blood cells. If you don’t have enough red blood cells, you have anemia. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of your body. When you have anemia, your blood can’t bring enough oxygen to all your tissues and organs.
What happens megaloblastic anemia?
Megaloblastic anemia is a form of anemia characterized by very large red blood cells and a decrease in the number of those cells. Anemias are blood disorders that occur when the body has fewer red blood cells than normal. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body using a protein called hemoglobin.
What causes lack of vitamin B12?
Atrophic gastritis, in which your stomach lining has thinned. Pernicious anemia, which makes it hard for your body to absorb vitamin B12. Conditions that affect your small intestine, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, bacterial growth, or a parasite.
Can a vitamin B12 deficiency cause megaloblastic anemia?
A megaloblastic anemia that is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency is called as ” pernicious anemia “. Aside from folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies, the other causes of megaloblastic anemia are direct interference of DNA synthesis through HIV infections, myelodysplastic disorders, and certain medications.
What kind of anemia is caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency?
Megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency is referred to as pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia is a type of macrocytic anemia due to the body not being able to absorb vitamin B-12.
What causes oval macrocytes in megaloblastic anemia?
In folic acid deficiency the cause frequently is inadequate dietary intake, whereas vitamin B12 deficiency is almost always conditioned by some specific type of malabsorption. Anemia with oval macrocytes, few reticulocytes, moderate leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia is typical of both.
Is there a cure for vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Because pernicious anemia is due to a lack of intrinsic factor, it is not preventable. Vitamin B 12 deficiency due to other causes may be prevented with a balanced diet or with supplements. Pernicious anemia can be easily treated with either injections or pills of vitamin B 12.
How to treat megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B 12 deficiency?
Treatment to manage anemia is often ongoing. In the case of megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency, you may need monthly injections of vitamin B-12. Oral supplements may also be given. Adding more foods with vitamin B-12 to your diet can help.
How does vitamin B12 deficiency cause iron deficiency anemia?
People who have vitamin B12-deficiency anemia — also called megaloblastic anemia — have insufficient healthy red blood cells due to a lack of B12. This type of anemia can also be caused by a lack of folic acid, sometimes called folate. Johns Hopkins Medicine explains that this type of anemia means that red blood cells don’t develop normally.
How is pernicious anemia similar to megaloblastic anemia?
Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of megaloblastic anemia. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis. Pernicious anemia is a rare blood disorder characterized by the inability of the body to properly utilize vitamin B12, which is essential for the development of red blood cells.
In folic acid deficiency the cause frequently is inadequate dietary intake, whereas vitamin B12 deficiency is almost always conditioned by some specific type of malabsorption. Anemia with oval macrocytes, few reticulocytes, moderate leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia is typical of both.