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Macrocytic anaemia and megaloblastic anaemia: Difference between revisions
Macrocytic anaemia and megaloblastic anaemia (view source)
Revision as of 12:19, 23 November 2023
, 23 November 2023no edit summary
(Created page with "'''Macrocytic anaemia''' is a form of anaemia characterised by macrocytosis (MCV > 100 fL). '''Megaloblastic anaemia''' is the most common subtype of macrocytic anaemia characterised by decreased DNA synthesis in haematopoietic stem cells, causing RBCs to be larger, oval, and blast-like, and neutrophils to be hypersegmented. The most common cause of megaloblastic anaemia is folate and B12 deficiency. == Etiology ==...") |
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If a patient is suffering from B12 deficiency but given folate supplements, the surplus folate can normalise the megaloblastic anaemia, giving a false impression that they had folate deficiency. However, folate does not stop the progression of and can even worsen B12 deficiency-induced spinal cord degeneration, which can be irreversible. It’s therefore important to confirm that B12 levels are normal before administering folate supplements. | If a patient is suffering from B12 deficiency but given folate supplements, the surplus folate can normalise the megaloblastic anaemia, giving a false impression that they had folate deficiency. However, folate does not stop the progression of and can even worsen B12 deficiency-induced spinal cord degeneration, which can be irreversible. It’s therefore important to confirm that B12 levels are normal before administering folate supplements. | ||
[[Category:Haematology]] | [[Category:Haematology]] | ||
[[Category:Internal Medicine (POTE course)]] | |||