$Unique_ID{BRK03465} $Pretitle{} $Title{Anemia, Megaloblastic} $Subject{Anemia, Megaloblastic Megaloblastic Anemia of Pregnancy Hypovitaminosis B12 Pernicious Anemia Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1987, 1989 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 423: Anemia, Megaloblastic ** IMPORTANT ** It is possible the main title of the article (Megaloblastic Anemia) is not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYMS listing on the next page to find alternate names, disorder subdivisions, and related disorders covered by this article. Synonyms Megaloblastic Anemia of Pregnancy Information on the following disorders can be found in the Related Disorders section of this report: Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia Hypovitaminosis B12 Pernicious Anemia Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia General Discussion ** REMINDER ** The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section of this report. Megaloblastic Anemia is a blood disorder characterized by the presence of large abnormal, immature red blood cells (megaloblasts). Decreased numbers and immaturity of white blood cells (leukocytes) and blood platelets (thrombocytes) may also occur. This disorder may be caused by a deficiency or defective absorption of vitamin B12 or folic acid. Certain antitumor or immunosuppressive drugs may also cause Megaloblastic Anemia. Symptoms Symptoms of Megaloblastic Anemia usually begin gradually. Diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite (anorexia), and weight loss may occur. Lesions in the gastrointestinal tract may cause abnormal activity in the intestines and difficulties with the absorption of food. Enlargement of liver and spleen may also occur, accompanied by yellow discoloration of the skin (jaundice) or pallor. Weakness, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, as well as pain in the limbs are other possible symptoms. Mouth and tongue infection may also occur. Neurological lesions, irritability, and abnormal feelings (e.g., of heat and cold) may also be present in Megaloblastic Anemia. Causes Megaloblastic Anemia may be caused by a vitamin B12 or a folic acid deficiency. This deficiency may result from poor diet, impaired intestinal absorption, certain diseases or parasites, or drugs that suppress the immune system such as anticancer drugs. In addition, this type of anemia may occur during pregnancy as a response to the fetal demand for blood. Related Disorders Symptoms of the following disorders may resemble those of Megaloblastic Anemia. They may be useful for a differential diagnosis: Pernicious Anemia (Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia) is a blood disorder resulting from an impaired absorption of vitamin B-12. This vitamin is needed for the production of red blood cells. Healthy individuals absorb sufficient amounts of vitamin B12 from the normal diet with the help of a substance secreted by the stomach called intrinsic factor. Individuals with Pernicious Anemia generally lack intrinsic factor and cannot absorb sufficient amounts of vitamin B12. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Pernicious Anemia" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.) Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia is caused by deficient levels of folic acid. Many plant and animal tissues contain folic acid, but the substance is destroyed during cooking. Folic Acid Deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia and other abnormalities in the blood. Infertility and gastrointestinal disturbances may be other symptoms of this type of anemia. The disorder may also be associated with certain skin disorders, obstetric disorders, neuropathy, and possibly psychiatric disorders. Therapies: Standard Megaloblastic Anemia is treated with injections of vitamin B12 into the muscles, or oral iron supplements may be prescribed. A maintenance dose of vitamin B12 has to be given throughout life. Therapies: Investigational This disease entry is based upon medical information available through February 1988. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder. Resources For more information on Megaloblastic Anemia, please contact: National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 8923 New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783 (203) 746-6518 NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 496-4236 References HOMOCYSTINURIA AND MEGALOBLASTIC ANEMIA RESPONSIVE TO VITAMIN B12 THERAPY: S. Schuh, et al.; New England Journal of Medicine (March 15, 1984: issue 310,11). Pp. 686-690. MEGALOBLASTIC ANAEMIA DUE TO VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY CAUSED BY SMALL INTESTINAL BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH: POSSIBLE ROLE OF VITAMIN B12 ANALOGUES: M.F. Murphy, et al.; British Journal Haematol (January 1986: issue 62,1). Pp. 7-12. BONE MARROW STATUS OF ANAEMIC PREGNANT WOMEN ON SUPPLEMENTAL IRON AND FOLIC ACID IN A NIGERIAN COMMUNITY: L.A. Okafor, et al.; Angiology (August 1985: issue 36,8). Pp. 500-503.