Macrocytic Anemias

Question 1

What is the cause of Megaloblastic Anemia?

Answer 1

Deficiency in Vitamin B12 or Folic Acid

Question 2

What is the term given when the nucleus and cytoplasm are at different maturation stages?

Answer 2

Asynchronous Maturation

Question 3

What is Ineffective Erythropeisis and what makes it important?

Answer 3

Premature destruction of RBC’s before entering circulation
Myeloid: Erythroid ratio is 1:1 to 1:3

Question 4

What do we see in a Peripheral Smear when a patieant has Megaloblastic Anemia?

Answer 4

Macrocytes
Macro-ovalocytes

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Megaloblastic Anemia?

Answer 5

Neurologic Involvement (Numbness, Paresthesia)
Personality Changes (Mania, Depression)
Demyelination of the Nerves

Question 6

What is the condition known as when a patient has a lack of Intrinsic Factor?

Answer 6

Pernicious Anemia

Question 7

How do we test for Megaloblastic Anemia?

Answer 7

Serum Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Levels
Radioimmunoassay (B12)
Serum Test (Folate)

Question 8

What are the characteristics of Megaloblastic Anemia?

Answer 8

Macrocytes are large and oval
Normochromic (MCHC = Normal)

Question 9

What are the features of Non-Megaloblastic Anemia?

Answer 9

Round Hypochromic Macrocytes
Alcoholism
Hypothyroidism
Liver Disease
Chemo Treatment
Myelodysplastic Syndromes