Megaloblastic Anemias: Nutritional and Other Causes.

Abstract

Vitamin B₁₂ and folate deficiencies are major causes of megaloblastic anemia. Causes of B₁₂ deficiency include pernicious anemia, gastric surgery, intestinal disorders, dietary deficiency, and inherited disorders of B₁₂ transport or absorption. The prevalence of folate deficiency has decreased because of folate fortification, but deficiency still occurs from malabsorption and increased demand. Other causes include drugs and inborn metabolic errors. Clinical features of megaloblastic anemia include anemia, cytopenias, jaundice, and megaloblastic marrow morphology. Neurologic symptoms occur in B₁₂ deficiency, but not in folate deficiency. Management includes identifying any deficiency, establishing its cause, and replenishing B₁₂ or folate parenterally or orally.