BIO Lecture Notes - Megaloblastic Anemia, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Pernicious Anemia

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jaazz

21 Oct 2022

School

Kerala University of Health Sciences - KUHS

Department

Biochemistry

Course

BIO

Professor

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Document Summary

Megaloblastic anaemias are characterized by the abnormally large cells of erythrocyte series. These are caused by defective dna synthesis due to deficiency of vitamin b12 and/or folic acid (folate). Inadequate dietary intake may occur in: strict vegetarians and breast-fed infants. Malabsorption, e. g. in coeliac disease, tropical sprue and. Increased demand that occurs in conditions such as pregnancy, lactation and infancy. Effect of drugs such as contraceptive pills and certain cytotoxic drugs (e. g. methotrexate). Clinical features of megaloblastic anaemia: general features of anaemia, characteristic features of megaloblastic anaemia, blood picture and red cell indices. Rbcs are larger in size (macrocytosis) but contain a normal concentration of hb (normochromia). Mcv increases to 95 160 m3 (normal 78 94 m3 ). Mch increases to 50 pg (normal 28 32 pg). Mchc usually normal (35 3%) because both mcv and mch increase. Reticulocyte count increases to more than 5% (normal less than.

Related Questions

Explain the results you would get from the Schillingâs test if you hadâ

1-Malabsorption

2-Pernicious anemia

3-B12 deficiency from lack of adequate intake

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Compare and contrast the aetiology, diagnosis, prognosis and management of Iron Deficiency and Folate Deficiency Anaemia.

ivorywallaby620

Ted goes to see Dr. Zhou, complaining that he always feels tired and cold. The doctor orders some blood tests. Ted hates needles, but reluctantly gets blood drawn for the tests anyway. At their next appointment a few days later, Dr. Zhou tells Ted that he has pernicious anemia, and will need to take vitamin B₁₂ shots once a month for the rest of his life. The doctor explains more about pernicious anemia, but Ted canât remember much of what she says because he basically stops listening at the word âinjectionsâ. Ted is given one such injection before he leaves the office, and within a few days he begins to feel better.

However, Tedâs uncle Fred scoffs at vitamins, saying that the doctor is a quack, because, âEverybody knows anemia is from not getting enough iron.â Ted will do anything to avoid needles, so instead of going back for more shots, he instead follows Uncle Fredâs advice, and for the next six months he eats lots of red meat cooked in a cast iron skillet.

Six months later, Ted goes back to see Dr. Zhou because his previous symptoms of fatigue and chills have returned, worse than before, and in addition, his hands and feet have gone numb. Dr. Zhou explains that this is another effect of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency, and urges him to take the shots. Ted reluctantly agrees to start taking the shots regularly, and soon his symptoms greatly improve, though heâs left with some degree of permanent nerve damage in his hands and feet.

Why did the extra iron not help Ted?

Ted tries to bargain with Dr. Zhou, saying he will diligently take B₁₂ capsules if he can avoid the shots. Dr. Zhou explains that with pernicious anemia, the problem is not insufficient intake of vitamin B₁₂, but lack of absorption because of lack of something called intrinsic factor.

What is intrinsic factor, and why did Tedâs body stop making it? Why must Ted take shots instead of pills?

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BIO Lecture Notes - Megaloblastic Anemia, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Pernicious Anemia

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