Intrinsic factor is needed for the body to absorb vitamin B For all types of megaloblastic anemia, in addition to the red blood cells being large, the inner contents of each cell are not completely developed. This malformation causes the bone marrow to produce fewer cells, and sometimes the red blood cells die earlier than the day life expectancy.
For many appointments and certain procedures, your child can also receive care at one of Boston Children's satellite offices. For Patients. Megaloblastic Anemia. Because the blood cells are too large, they may not be able to exit the bone marrow to enter the bloodstream and deliver oxygen. The two most common causes of megaloblastic anemia are deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folate. These two nutrients are necessary for producing healthy RBCs.
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient found in foods and drinks such as:. Megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency is known as vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. One rare type of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is pernicious anemia.
Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune condition and is due to the lack of a protein in the stomach called intrinsic factor. You can also develop vitamin B12 deficiency anemia if you take medications that deplete vitamin B12, such as proton pump inhibitors and metformin Fortamet, Glumetza. Having certain types of surgery, including bariatric surgery , can also result in an inability to absorb vitamin B Folate is found in foods such as:.
Folate is often mixed up with folic acid. Technically, folic acid is the artificial form of folate. You can find folic acid in supplements as well as fortified cereals and foods. Your diet is an important factor in whether you have enough folate. Pregnant people are more likely to have folate deficiency because of the high amounts of folate needed by the developing fetus.
The most common symptom of megaloblastic anemia is fatigue. One test used to diagnose anemia is a complete blood count CBC. This test measures the different parts of your blood. Your doctor will also gather your medical history and perform a physical exam to rule out other causes of your symptoms.
Your doctor will need to order more blood tests to figure out if vitamin deficiency is causing your anemia. These tests will also help them find out whether a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency is causing your condition. Another test that your doctor may use to help with diagnosis is the Schilling test. The Schilling test is a blood test that evaluates your ability to absorb vitamin B Folate is also known as vitamin B9, while vitamin B12 is also known as cobalamin.
When the stomach does not make enough intrinsic factor, the intestine cannot properly absorb vitamin B In rare cases, pernicious anemia is passed down through families. This is called congenital pernicious anemia. Babies with this type of anemia do not make enough intrinsic factor. Or they cannot properly absorb vitamin B12 in the small intestine. In adults, symptoms of pernicious anemia are usually not seen until after age The average age of diagnosis is age If you have a low vitamin B12 level for a long time, you can have nervous system damage.
Symptoms can include:. It is important to start treatment early. Nerve damage can be permanent if treatment does not start within 6 months of symptoms. People with pernicious anemia may have gastric polyps. They are also more likely to develop gastric cancer and gastric carcinoid tumors. People with pernicious anemia are more likely to have fractures of the back, upper leg, and upper forearm.
A woman with a low B12 level may have a false positive Pap smear. This is because vitamin B12 deficiency affects the way certain cells epithelial cells in the cervix look. There is no known way to prevent this type of vitamin B12 anemia. However, early detection and treatment can help reduce complications. Macrocytic achylic anemia; Congenital pernicious anemia; Juvenile pernicious anemia; Vitamin B12 deficiency malabsorption ; Anemia - intrinsic factor; Anemia - IF; Anemia - atrophic gastritis; Biermer anemia; Addison anemia.
Antony AC. Megaloblastic anemias.
0コメント