Background: Megaloblastic anemia (MA) is a distinct type of anemia characterized by macrocytic RBCs and typical morphological changes in RBC precursors. The RBC precursors are larger than the cells of same stage and exhibit disparity in nuclear-cytoplasmic maturation. Basic underlying pathogenetic mechanism in MA is deficiency of folic acid (FA) and/or vitamin B12 at the cellular level with resultant impairment of DNA synthesis. In developing countries, most cases of MA result from nutritional deficiency of these micronutrients.

Aims and Objectives

1. To correlate and compare the clinico-hematological and biochemical profile of megalo blastic anemia.

2 .To find out the clinical and haematological features of severe anemia.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study included 60 cases of megaloblastic anemia to evaluate Association of biochemical profile of megaloblastic anemia. Data collected from case files, patient history, clinical profile, Peripheral blood findings, haematological parameters and biochemical parameters.

Results: In our study, megaloblastic anaemia was mostly found in <5 years of age. The male to female ratio was 1.7:1 in our study. The most common clinical presentation was pallor & generalised weakness (100 %) followed by easy fatigability (60 %), fever (28.3 %), altered behaviour (13.3%) and tingling (16.9%) are found. Bleeding (18.3%), itching and red spots (6.6%) are found in patients having thrombocytopenia. Megaloblastic anemiawas found mostly in vegetarians (71.6%). The mean haemoglobin was 7.3 gm/dl. Splenomegaly and hepatomegaly were present in 21.3 % and 26.6 % respectively. There was complete correlation between parameters in 27/60 (45 %) cases only.

Conclusion: Inadequate dietary intake, overcooking of our food and poor absorption contributing high prevalence of megaloblastic anemia.

Keywords: Megaloblastic Anemia, Folic acid, Vitamin B-12.

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Dr Sonu Rawat

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