Megaloblastic meaning

Megaloblastic anemia is a type of anemia characterized by very large red blood cells. In addition to the cells being large, the inner contents of each cell are not completely developed. This malformation causes the bone marrow to produce fewer cells, and sometimes the cells die earlier than the 120-day life expectancy. Instead of being round or disc-shaped, the red blood cells can be oval. Causes There are many causes of megaloblastic anemia, but the most common source in children occurs from a vitamin deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B-12. Other sources of megaloblastic anemia include the following: • Digestive diseases — Certain diseases of the lower digestive tract can lead to megaloblastic anemia. These include celiac disease, chronic infectious enteritis, and enteroenteric fistulas. Pernicious anemia is a type of megaloblastic anemia caused by an inability to absorb Vitamin B-12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor in gastric (stomach) secretions. Intrinsic factor enables the absorption of Vitamin B-12. • Malabsorption —Inherited congenital folate malabsorption, a genetic problem in which infants cannot absorb folic acid in their intestines, can lead to megaloblastic anemia. This requires early intensive treatment to prevent long-term problems such as intellectual disabilities. • Medication-induced folic acid deficiency —Certain medications, specifically ones that prevent seizures, such as phenytoin, primidone and phenobarbital, can impair the absorption of folic acid...

Macrocytic anemia happens when you have large red blood cells and not enough normal-sized red blood cells. It can result from a vitamin deficiency or an underlying condition like hypothyroidism. Overview Macrocytosis is a term used to describe red blood cells that are larger than normal. Different types of macrocytic anemia can be classified depending on what’s causing it. Most often, macrocytic anemias are caused by a lack of vitamin B-12 and folate. Macrocytic anemia can also signal an underlying condition. You may not notice any symptoms of macrocytic anemia until you’ve had it for some time. Symptoms include: • loss of appetite or weight • brittle nails • fast heartbeat • diarrhea • fatigue • pale skin, including lips and eyelids • shortness of breath • poor concentration or confusion • memory loss If you have several of these symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor. It’s important to make an appointment as soon as possible if you have the following symptoms: • increased heart rate • confusion • memory problems Macrocytic anemia can be broken into two main types: megaloblastic and nonmegaloblastic macrocytic anemias. Megaloblastic macrocytic anemia Most macrocytic anemias are also megaloblastic. Possible causes include: • • • some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs like hydroxyurea, antiseizure medications, and antiretroviral drugs used for people with Nonmegaloblastic macrocytic anemia Nonmegaloblastic forms of macrocytic anemia may be caused by a variet...

A large, nucleated, embryonic type of cell that is a precursor of erythrocytes in an abnormal erythropoietic process observed in pernicious anemia; a megaloblasts four stages of development are as follows: 1) promegaloblast, 2) basophilic megaloblast, 3) polychromatic megaloblast, 4) orthochromatic megaloblast. See also: The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. megaloblast An enlarged erythroblast (erythrocyte precursor) with an enlarged nucleus, which arises in a background of vitamin B12 and/or folic acid deficiency and is characterised by asynchronous nucleocytoplasmic development, and manifest by delayed or incomplete nuclear maturation relative to cytoplasmic development; haemoglobinisation proceeds normally, while nuclear maturation slows as the maturation-dependent methyl precursors—usually provided by vitamin B12 and folic acid—are not present. A large, nucleated, embryonic type of cell that is a precursor of erythrocytes in an abnormal erythropoietic process observed in pernicious anemia; a megaloblast's four stages of development are: 1) promegaloblast, 2) basophilic megaloblast, 3) polychromatic megaloblast, and 4) orthochromatic megaloblast. See also: Thalassemic syndromes Heterozygous beta thalassemia Other hemoglobinopathies Artifact in the presence of Hb S Some Hb variants with thalassemic phenotype Acquired conditions Megaloblastic anemia Hyperth...

Medical condition Megaloblastic anemia Other names Megaloblastic anaemia Peripheral blood smear showing hypersegmented neutrophils, characteristic of megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia is a type of Megaloblastic anemia not due to hypovitaminosis may be caused by antimetabolites that poison DNA production directly, such as some chemotherapeutic or antimicrobial agents (for example The pathological state of megaloblastosis is characterized by many large immature and dysfunctional red blood cells ( Causes [ ] • • • Deficient intake • Deficient • • Biological competition for vitamin B12 by • Selective • • Ileal resection and bypass • Nitrous oxide anesthesia (usually requires repeated instances). • • • Deficient intake • Increased needs: • • Intestinal and • (indirect) Deficient • Combined Deficiency: vitamin B12 & folate. • Inherited Pyrimidine Synthesis Disorders: • Inherited • Toxins and Drugs: • • • • • • • Inborn genetic mutations of the • • • Pathophysiology [ ] There is a defect in In the Diagnosis [ ] The gold standard for the diagnosis of Vitamin B 12 deficiency is a low blood level of Vitamin B 12. A low level of blood Vitamin B 12 is a finding that normally can and should be treated by injections, supplementation, or dietary or lifestyle advice, but it is not a diagnosis. Hypovitaminosis B 12 can result from a number of mechanisms, including those listed above. For determination of cause, further patient history, testing, and empirical therapy may be clinica...

Anemia is a blood disorder in which the number of red blood cells (RBCs) is lower than usual. Megaloblastic anemia is characterized by RBCs that are larger than typical. There also aren’t enough of them. RBCs transport oxygen through the body. When your body doesn’t have enough RBCs, your tissues and organs don’t get enough oxygen. There are many types of When RBCs aren’t produced properly, it results in megaloblastic anemia. Because the blood cells are too large, they may be unable to exit the The two most common causes of megaloblastic anemia are deficiencies of These two nutrients are necessary for producing healthy RBCs. When you don’t get enough of them, it affects the makeup of your RBCs. This leads to cells that don’t divide and reproduce the way they should. Vitamin B12 deficiency Vitamin B12 is a nutrient found • • • • • fortified Some people can’t absorb enough vitamin B12 from their diet, leading to megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia caused by One rare type of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is It’s possible to develop vitamin B12 deficiency anemia because there simply isn’t enough vitamin B12 in your diet. Since B12 isn’t naturally found in any plant-based products, vitamin B12 deficiency is common in people following a You can also develop vitamin B12 deficiency anemia if you take medications that deplete vitamin B12, such as Folate deficiency Folate is another nutrient that’s important for the development of healthy RBCs. Folate is found • beef liver • ...