Megaloblastic Anemia Flashcards
Vitamin B12 serves as cofactor for 2 reactions, what are they?
The conversion of homocysteine to methionine and the creation of succinyl-CoA
Causes of vit b12 deficiency?
Pernicious anemia, tape worm infections, even abdominal surgery or Crohn’s disease, it’s issues that affect absorption
What is the most characteristic sign and symptom of VIT B12 deficiency?
Complex neurological syndrome of paresthesia, balance and proprioception issues
The diagnosis of vitamin B12 by finding low levels is best confirmed via?
Elevated level of serum methylmalonic acid or homocysteine
What else is characteristically abnormal in vitamin B12 lab findings?
Bone marrow morphology
How do we differentiate vitamin B12 from folic acid deficiency?
The elevated methylmalonic acid levels
How do we treat VIT b12 deficiency?
With methylcobalamin 1mg a day given orally or sublingually
If the VIT b12 patient presented with complex neurological syndrome, how is he treated?
With life-long parenteral therapy
Most common cause of folic acid deficiency?
Dietary
What differentiaties signs of VITB12 to folic acid?
No neurological abnormalities
How do we treat folic acid deficiency?
Daily oral folic acid 1mg
