What kind of macrocytic anemia is caused by B12 deficiency?
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What kind of macrocytic anemia is caused by B12 deficiency?
Either a lack of vitamin B-12 or a lack of folate causes a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia (pernicious anemia).
What are the symptoms of megaloblastic anemia?
Some of the most common symptoms of megaloblastic anemia include:
- Abnormal paleness or lack of color of the skin.
- Decreased appetite.
- Irritability.
- Lack of energy or tiring easily (fatigue)
- Diarrhea.
- Difficulty walking.
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet.
- Smooth and tender tongue.
Is B12 deficiency macrocytic anemia?
The most common causes of megaloblastic, macrocytic anemia are deficiency or defective utilization of vitamin B12 or folate. Do complete blood count, red blood cell indices, reticulocyte count, and peripheral smear.
What is the differential diagnosis for macrocytic anemia?
Differential Diagnosis of Macrocytic Anemias Although the presence of macro‐ovalocytes, anisocytosis, and hypersegmented neutrophils suggest megaloblastic anemia associated with vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, these morphological abnormalities may also be seen in MDS or drug‐induced disorders of DNA synthesis.
Is megaloblastic anemia serious?
Most cases of macrocytic anemia that are caused by vitamin B-12 and folate deficiencies can be treated and cured with diet and supplements. However, macrocytic anemias can cause long-term complications if left untreated. These complications can include permanent damage to your nervous system.
Who is at risk for macrocytic anemia?
Common risk factors of megaloblastic anemia include nutritional factors, alcoholism, elderly, pregnant, vegans, and malabsorptive syndromes.
How do you fix macrocytic anemia?
Management of macrocytosis consists of finding and treating the underlying cause. In the case of vitamin B-12 or folate deficiency, treatment may include diet modification and dietary supplements or injections. If the underlying cause is resulting in severe anemia, you might need a blood transfusion.
What happens if megaloblastic anemia is left untreated?
However, macrocytic anemias can cause long-term complications if left untreated. These complications can include permanent damage to your nervous system. Extreme vitamin B-12 deficiencies may cause long-term neurologic complications. They include peripheral neuropathy and dementia.
What is the major cause of megaloblastic anemia?
Deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folic acid are the leading causes of megaloblastic anemia. Folic acid is present in food such as green vegetables, fruits, meat, and liver.
What is the treatment for macrocytic anemia?
How do they treat macrocytic anemia?
The first line of treatment for many people is correcting nutrient deficiencies. This can be done with supplements or foods like spinach and red meat. You may be able to take supplements that include folate and other B vitamins. You may also need vitamin B-12 injections if you don’t absorb oral vitamin B-12 properly.
Which vegetable has the most vitamin B12?
Vegetables– Usually, most vegetables contain some amount of Vitamin B12, but there are some Vitamin B12 foods for vegetarians that contain a very high amount of Vitamin B12 namely- Spinach, Beetroot, Potatoes, Mushrooms, alfalfa, and others.
Can megaloblastic anemia be cured?
Most cases of macrocytic anemia that are caused by vitamin B-12 and folate deficiencies can be treated and cured with diet and supplements.
