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Megaloblastic anemia

Definition:
Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder characterized by anemia, with red blood cells that are larger than normal, usually resulting from a deficiency of folic acid or Vitamin B-12.

Alternative Names:
Anemia - megaloblastic

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Deficiencies of Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are the most common causes of megaloblastic anemia. Other causes are leukemia, myelofibrosis, multiple myeloma, certain hereditary disorders, drugs that affect DNA synthesis such as chemotherapy agents (methotrexate), alcohol, and other causes. Risk factors relate to the causes. (See also pernicious anemia).

Review Date: 10/8/2001
Reviewed By: Rebecca Elstrom, M.D., University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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