Disease Information for Megaloblastic anemia

anemias associated with impaired DNA synthesis in bone marrow progenitor cells leading to odd shaped, macrocytic, or dysfunctional erythrocytes; usually caused by B12 or folate deficiency;--------------------------------

Synonyms of Anemia, Megaloblastic; Folate Deficiency Anemia

Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia; Hypovitaminosis B12;

Megaloblastic Anemia of Pregnancy; Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia; An anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells (RBC) or the amount of hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body) is below normal; Megaloblastic Anemias (MGA) are rare blood disorders characterized by the presence of large, structurally and visually abnormal, immature red blood cells (megaloblasts); Decreased numbers and immaturity of white blood cells (leukocytes) and blood platelets (thrombocytes) may also occur; Megaloblastic Anemias are usually caused by a deficiency or defective absorption of either vitamin B12 (cobalamin) or folic acid; As a result, they are also known as the vitamin deficiency anemias; In most cases, the fundamental flaws leading to the several forms of MGA caused by vitamin deficiencies are present at the time of birth and exist as a result of a genetic defect; In addition, certain antitumor or immunosuppressive drugs may also cause Megaloblastic Anemia -------[NORD 2005]-------------

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