Clinical profile and response in patients with megaloblastic anemia

Abstract

Background: Megaloblastic anemia is one of the frequently occurring diseases in a developing country such as India. Megaloblastic anemia occurs mainly because of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, but in some cases, it may occur owing to the causes affecting the metabolism of vitamins or the defect in DNA synthesis. Very few studies have been conducted to study the prevalence of megaloblastic anemia in the general population. Objective: To find out the age-wise pattern with its clinical profile and response to the treatment. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out at LG Hospital, a tertiary-care teaching hospital. The study was carried out during the period from August 2006 to May 2008. The patients who presented with clinical features of anemia in medical outpatient department between August 2006 and May 2008 were evaluated with complete blood count with RBC indices. Result: Incidence on megaloblastic anemia was the highest in the subjects aged between 40 and 49 years. Weakness and abnormal bowel habits were the common presenting symptoms. Pallor and glossitis were the most common clinical signs. About 94% of the patients presented with moderate to severe anemia. Almost all the patients showed a dramatic response in Hb level, mean corpuscular volume, and reticulocyte count. Conclusion: Vitamin B12 deficiency is not uncommon in India. This study will definitely help clinicians for the diagnosis and treatment of megaloblastic anemia. Abstract