5.3 Macrocytic Anemia

Question 1

What are the common causes of macrocytic anemia?

Answer 1

• Vitamin B12 Deficiency

- Folic Acid Deficiency

Question 2

Why are RBCs larger in macrocytic anemia?

Answer 2

RBCs cannot divide a extra time due to insufficient DNA from deficiency of either vitamin B12 or folic acid.

Question 3

What neutrophils are seen with megaloblastic anemia?

Answer 3

Hypersegmented Neutrophils

Question 4

What are some other causes of macrocytic anemia?

Answer 4

• Alcoholism
• Liver Disease
• Drugs

Question 5

Where is folate absorbed?

Answer 5

Jejunum

Question 6

Serum levels of ______ with folate deficiency.

Answer 6

Homocysteine

Question 7

Where is vitamin B12 absorbed?

Answer 7

Ileum

Question 8

How long does it take to develop vitamin B12 deficiency?

Answer 8

Years - stores are large

Question 9

Pernicious Anemia

Answer 9

Autoimmune destruction of the parietal cells which leads to intrinsic factor deficiency

Question 10

How does pancreatic insufficiency lead to vitamin B12 deficiency?

Answer 10

Lack of enzymes to cleave vitamin B12 from R-binder protein

Question 11

Serum levels of ________ and _________ will increase with vitamin B12 deficiency?

Answer 11

• Homocysteine

- Methylmalonic Acid