What is the peripheral blood picture in megaloblastic anemia?

Diagnosis is usually based on peripheral smear . When fully developed, the anemia is macrocytic, with MCV > 100 fL/cell in the absence of iron deficiency, thalassemia trait, or renal disease. The smear shows macro-ovalocytosis, anisocytosis (variation in RBC size), and poikilocytosis (variation in RBC shape).

How will you evaluate a peripheral blood smear?

Peripheral blood smear can be used for estimation of manual blood counts. With the advent of automated cell counters which are more reliable and accurate, manual differential counts of white blood cells using PBF is gradually fading in routine haematology laboratory practice.

What morphological changes are seen in the peripheral smear of a patient with megaloblastic anemia?

In peripheral blood smear (PBS), megaloblasts, while not pathognomic, are highly suggestive of megaloblastic anemia. The changes are not limited to red blood cells, and hypersegmented neutrophils, with six or more lobes, may be present. Other findings include Howell-Jolly bodies, anisocytosis, and poikilocytosis.

What are the symptoms of megaloblastic anemia?

Additional common symptoms include aches and pains, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing (dyspnea). Individuals with megaloblastic anemia may also develop gastrointestinal abnormalities including diarrhea, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some affected individuals may develop a sore, reddened tongue.

Is megaloblastic anemia curable?

Most cases of macrocytic anemia that are caused by vitamin B-12 and folate deficiencies can be treated and cured with diet and supplements. However, macrocytic anemias can cause long-term complications if left untreated. These complications can include permanent damage to your nervous system.

What does a peripheral blood smear look for?

A blood smear, also referred to as a peripheral smear for morphology, is an important test for evaluating blood-related problems, such as those in red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.

What are symptoms of megaloblastic anemia?

Does a CBC show pernicious anemia?

Finally, the CBC looks at mean corpuscular (kor-PUS-kyu-lar) volume (MCV). MCV is a measure of the average size of your red blood cells. MCV can be a clue as to what’s causing your anemia. In pernicious anemia, the red blood cells tend to be larger than normal.

Why is pernicious anemia megaloblastic?

Pernicious Anemia is a form of megaloblastic anemia (caused by vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency or both) which occurs due to reduced level of Vitamin B12 in the body secondary to malabsorption mostly as a result of reduced or absent intrinsic factor.

What is the prognosis of megaloblastic anemia?

Prognosis of Megaloblastic Anemia Neurological changes if left untreated, can be irreversible. Neuorological abnormalities only occur with very low levels of serum B12. Patients present with symmetrical tingling sensation in the fingers and toes, early loss of vibration sense and propioception, and progressive weakness and ataxia.

Is pernicious anemia megaloblastic?

Pernicious anemia is a type of megaloblastic anemia in which the body isn’t able to absorb vitamin B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor in stomach secretions.

Can trimethoprim cause megaloblastic anemia?

Chronic: Use of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim at high doses and/or for extended periods of time may cause bone marrow depression manifested as thrombocytopenia, leukopenia and/or megaloblastic anemia. If signs of bone marrow depression occur, the patient should be given leucovorin 5 to 15 mg daily until normal hematopoiesis is restored.

What is the peripheral blood picture in megaloblastic anemia? Diagnosis is usually based on peripheral smear . When fully developed, the anemia is macrocytic, with MCV > 100 fL/cell in the absence of iron deficiency, thalassemia trait, or renal disease. The smear shows macro-ovalocytosis, anisocytosis (variation in RBC size), and poikilocytosis (variation in RBC shape).…