Unit 3: Megaloblastic anemia

Megaloblastic anemia

1. MEGALOBLASTIC ANEMIA Anemia is a blood disorder in which the number of red blood cells (RBCs) is lower than usual. RBCs transport oxygen through the body. When your body doesn’t have enough RBCs, your tissues and organs don’t get enough oxygen . There are many types of anemia with different causes and characteristics . Megaloblastic anemia is characterized by RBCs that are larger than normal. When RBCs aren’t produced properly, it results in megaloblastic anemia. Because the blood cells are too large, they may not be able to exit the bone marrow to enter the bloodstream and deliver oxygen.

2. DEFINATION Megaloblastic anemia is a type of anemia, a blood disorder in which the number of red blood cells is lower than normal. It is also known as vitamin B-12 or folate deficiency anemia bcz there is deficiency of this both.

3. Etiology Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin deficiency. Folic acid deficiency or Folate deficiency a and b deficiency.

4. Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Folate Deficiency Vitamin B-12  is a nutrient found in some foods like meat, fish, eggs, and milk. Some people can’t absorb enough vitamin B-12 from their food, leading to megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency is referred to as  pernicious anemia . Vitamin B-12 deficiency is most often caused by the lack of a protein in the stomach called “intrinsic factor.” Without intrinsic factor, vitamin B-12 can’t be absorbed. Folate is found in foods like beef liver, spinach, and Brussels sprouts. Folate is often mixed up with folic acid — technically, folic acid is the artificial form of folate, found in supplements. Folate deficiency can also be caused by chronic alcohol abuse, since alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to absorb folic acid. Pregnant women are more likely to have folate deficiency, because of the high amounts of folate needed by the developing fetus.

5. Sign and symptoms The most common symptom of megaloblastic anemia is fatigue. Symptoms can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include: shortness of breath muscle weakness abnormal paleness of the skin swollen tongue loss of appetite/weight loss diarrhea nausea fast heartbeat smooth or tender tongue

6. PATHOPHYSILOGY Blood count decreases Microcytic anemia Bone marrow B-12 defiency Vit B-12 and folate Folate defiency Dietary malabsorption Megaloblasitic Anemia Dietary malabsorption

7. COMPLICATIONS Individuals with  megaloblastic anemia  may also develop gastrointestinal abnormalities including diarrhea, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some affected individuals may develop a sore, reddened tongue. These abnormalities may result in unintended weight loss.

8. UNIT 3