home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15
/
CDRT.iso
/
dp
/
0346
/
03465.txt
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1994-01-17
|
6KB
|
135 lines
$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.