OnlineMedEd: Hematology Oncology - "Macrocytic Anemia"

Question 1

Macrocytic anemias are all _____________ anemias.

Answer 1

production

Question 2

When you see a macrocytic anemia, check the ______________.

Answer 2

smear; see if it is megaloblastic (with hypersegmented PMNs)

Question 3

What are the non-megaloblastic anemias?

Answer 3

• Liver disease
• Alcohol abuse
• Rare genetic diseases (Lesch-Nyhan, HOA)
• Drugs (5-FU, zidovudine)

Question 4

Our bodies store about __________ weeks of folate.

Answer 4

3-6

Question 5

Elevated __________ levels are specific to B12 deficiency.

Answer 5

methylmalonic acid

Hence, check the methylmalonic acid levels if the person’s B12 and folate levels are equivocal.

Question 6

Why is B12 deficiency more worrisome than folate deficiency?

Answer 6

B12 causes irreversible neuron damage.

Question 7

The four ways people become B12 deficient are ________________.

Answer 7

strict (uneducated) vegan diet), gastric bypass, intrinsic factor deficiency, and Crohn’s

Question 8

The ____________ test can distinguish absorptive vs. non-absorptive B12 deficiency.

Answer 8

Schilling