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Questions and Answers
What is the primary cause of megaloblastic anemia?
Which of the following is NOT a cause of megaloblastic anemia?
What is the typical shape of macrocytes in megaloblastic anemia?
What is the characteristic of neutrophils in megaloblastic anemia?
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What is the characteristic of the bone marrow in megaloblastic anemia?
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What is the characteristic of erythroblasts in megaloblastic anemia?
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What is the characteristic of the patient's tongue in megaloblastic anemia?
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What is the characteristic of the reticulocyte count in megaloblastic anemia?
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Study Notes
Megaloblastic Anemia
- A type of macrocytic anemia resulting from impaired DNA synthesis, caused by:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Folic acid deficiency
- Congenital enzyme defect
- Acquired DNA defect synthesis (e.g., hydroxyurea)
Pernicious Anemia
- Caused by an autoimmune attack on the gastric mucosa, leading to:
- Atrophy of the stomach
- Achlorhydria
- Absent or reduced secretion of Intrinsic Factor (IF)
- More common in females (1.6:1) and peaks at 60 years old
- Often associated with autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome
- Tends to occur in families, especially in northern Europeans
- Increased incidence of stomach carcinoma
- 90% of patients have parietal cell antibody in the serum
- 35% of patients have a second antibody to IF, which inhibits its ileal binding site
Clinical Features of Megaloblastic Anemia
- Mild jaundice (lemon yellow tint) due to excess haemoglobin breakdown
- Glossitis (beefy-red, sore tongue) and angular stomatitis
- Mild symptoms of malabsorption, including weight loss
- Purpura due to thrombocytopenia
Laboratory Findings
- Macrocytic anemia (MCV > 98 fL) with oval-shaped macrocytes
- Low reticulocyte count
- Moderately reduced total white cell and platelet counts
- Neutrophils with hypersegmented nuclei (with six or more lobes)
- Hypercellular bone marrow with large erythroblasts and failure of nuclear maturation
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Description
Quiz on megaloblastic anemia, a type of macrocytic anemia, and pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disorder. Topics include causes, symptoms, and characteristics of these medical conditions.
