Megaloblastic Anemia Definition

Megaloblastic Anemia is that anemia in which there is impaired DNA synthesis due to deficiency of Vitamin B12 or/and folic acid leading.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in the case of lack diet of animal products,vegetarian individuals.
Specific for this type of anemia is the  Vitamin B12  malabsorbtion.
An increased demand it is found in infancy,pregnancy,malignancy and chronic hemolysis.
The folic acid deficiency is more common in case of lack diet of vegetables and excessive alcohol intake.
An increased demand it is found in infancy,pregnancy,malignancy and chronic hemolysis.

Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency are essential for DNA synthesis,so their deficiency will lead to deficient DNA synthesis in the dividing cells.This way in the bone marrow a delayed division will result in the production of megaloblasts instead of the normaloblasts.Since the megaloblasts are abnormal cells,they will be destroyed in the bone marrow.

Megaloblasts that are formed in the bone marrow will lose their nuclei and reach the peripheral blood as macrocytes (which are large cells whit reduced hemoglobin).Many of this macrocytes are taken by the spleen and destroyed.

Symptoms of Megaloblastic Anemia:
-Manifestation due to infections and bleeding.
-Red glazed tongue
-Dyspepsia,anorexia,nausea,vomiting
-Abdominal pain,diarrhoea,malabsorbtion.
-Neurological manifestations (only in B12 deficiency)