⁠Megaloblastic Anemia

Megaloblastic Anemia

Overview

Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder that causes large, abnormally shaped red blood cells. It can also affect white blood cells and platelets.

Causes

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Folate (vitamin B9) deficiency
• Certain medications, such as metformin and proton pump inhibitors
• Digestive diseases, such as celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease
• Pernicious anemia, a condition that prevents the body from absorbing vitamin B12
• Inherited congenital folate malabsorption
• HIV infection
• Myelodysplastic disorders

Symptoms

• Shortness of breath
• Muscle weakness
• Pale skin
• Swollen tongue
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Fast heart rate
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet

Diagnosis Complete blood count (CBC), Peripheral smear, and Schilling test to evaluate vitamin B12 absorption.

Treatment Vitamin B12 and B9 supplements.

Treatment for megaloblastic anemia is directed at the underlying disorder.