Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder in which there is anemia with larger-than-normal red blood cells.

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues.

Causes

Megaloblastic anemia is usually caused by a deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12.

Other less common causes are:

• Alcohol abuse
• Certain inherited disorders
• Drugs that affect DNA, such as chemotherapy drugs
• Leukemia
• Myelodysplastic syndrome
• Myelofibrosis

Risk factors relate to the causes.

See also:

• Anemia - B12 deficiency
• Folate-deficiency anemia
• Pernicious anemia

Symptoms

See:

• Anemia - B12 deficiency
• Folate-deficiency anemia
• Pernicious anemia

Exams and Tests

For testing information, see:

• Anemia - B12 deficiency
• Folate-deficiency anemia
• Pernicious anemia

Treatment

The first goal is to diagnose the cause of the anemia. The treatment depends on the cause. Anemias related to specific vitamin deficiencies are discussed separately.

See:

• Anemia - B12 deficiency
• Folate-deficiency anemia
• Pernicious anemia

Alternative Names

Anemia - megaloblastic