Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder in which there is anemia with larger than normal red blood cells. Anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells which are necessary for providing oxygen to body tissue (ADAM 2011). The common feature in megaloblastic conditions is a defect in DNA synthesis when cells are rapidly dividing. It associated with another condition which is known as pernicious anemia, a condition that is caused when not enough B12 vitamins are absorbed into the intestines and leads to a decrease in red cells. These dysfunctional red blood cells are found in the bone marrow of afflicted patients.
Etiology: People over the age of 60, those who have eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia nervosa, those with cancer can get the condition. Smoking and drinking are factors which contribute to megaloblastic anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency, alcoholism, celiac disease, chronic...
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