Megaloblastic anemia

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Blood cells

Hypersegmented PMN (Close-up)

Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells

Anemia - megaloblastic

• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Tingling and numbness of hands and feet
• Pale skin color
• Tiredness
• Headaches
• Sore mouth and tongue
• Change in skin color

Examination of the working of the nervous system may show abnormal reflexes, decreased position sense, and decreased vibration sense if the anemia is related to vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Tests include:

• Complete blood count (shows anemia with large red blood cells)
• Bone marrow examination
• Serum B-12
• Schilling test (may identify poor absorption as cause of vitamin B-12 deficiency)
• Serum folate

Review Date: 10/30/2006
Reviewed By: William Matsui, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.