5 Questions
Which condition can lead to megaloblastic anemia due to impaired absorption of vitamin B12?
Fish tapeworm infestation
What is a common cause of intrinsic factor deficiency leading to pernicious anemia and subsequently megaloblastic anemia?
Gastrectomy
Which condition can lead to folic acid deficiency due to increased loss of folate?
Hemodialysis
What can impair the utilization of folic acid, leading to megaloblastic anemia unresponsive to therapy?
Metabolic inhibitors of DNA synthesis
Which condition may increase the requirement for folic acid and lead to megaloblastic anemia due to inadequate intake?
Oral contraceptives use
Study Notes
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Decreased intake of Vitamin B12 can lead to megaloblastic anemia, especially in individuals with inadequate diets or vegetarian lifestyles
- Impaired absorption of Vitamin B12 can occur due to intrinsic factor deficiency, pernicious anemia, gastrectomy, or malabsorption states
- Intestinal diseases, such as lymphoma, systemic sclerosis, and ileal resection, can also impair Vitamin B12 absorption
- Fish tapeworm infestation and bacterial overgrowth in the intestine can lead to competitive parasitic uptake of Vitamin B12
Folic Acid Deficiency
- Decreased intake of folic acid can occur due to inadequate diets, alcoholism, or infancy
- Impaired absorption of folic acid can occur due to malabsorption states or intrinsic intestinal disease
- Anticonvulsants and oral contraceptives can also impair folic acid absorption
- Increased loss of folic acid can occur due to hemodialysis
- Increased requirement of folic acid is needed during pregnancy, infancy, disseminated cancer, and markedly increased hematopoiesis
- Impaired utilization of folic acid can occur due to folic acid antagonists or metabolic inhibitors of DNA synthesis and/or folate metabolism (e.g., methotrexate)
- Some patients may not respond to Vitamin B12 or folic acid therapy due to metabolic inhibitors of DNA synthesis and/or folate metabolism.
Test your knowledge on the causes of megaloblastic anemia, including vitamin B12 deficiency due to decreased intake or impaired absorption, as well as folic acid deficiency resulting from decreased intake or absorption issues. Explore various factors such as inadequate diet, vegetarianism, pernicious anemia, malabsorption states, and more.
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