Take you to understand megaloblastic anemia

Mondo Health Updated on 2024-02-01

Megaloblastic anemia (MGA) is an anemia caused by a deficiency of folic acid and/or vitamin B12, resulting in blocked DNA synthesis. This condition can be divided into megaloblastic anemia caused by malnutrition, pernicious anemia, and megaloblastic anemia associated with enzyme deficiencies.

In China, especially in northern regions such as Shanxi and Shaanxi, the incidence of megaloblastic anemia is relatively high, accounting for 50%-60% of the cases of anemia during the same period. Among them, dystrophic megaloblastic anemia is the main one, and pernicious anemia is relatively rare.

There are two main types of megaloblastic anemia: folate deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency. Folic acid deficiency may result from inadequate intake, increased physiological requirements, or the effects of medications; Vitamin B12 deficiency may be associated with gastrointestinal disorders or competitive utilization by intestinal parasites. Loss of folate from food is common in diets that lack fresh vegetables, overcooking, or pickled foods. Intestinal diseases, tropical sprue, and long-term catharsis in the elderly may lead to impaired absorption of folic acid and vitamin B12. Pregnant women will have an approximately 5-10-fold increase in the need for folic acid, as well as in children and adolescents during growth and development, chronic hemolysis, leukemia, tumors, hyperthyroidism, and long-term hemodialysis**. If the supplement is insufficient, it can easily lead to folic acid deficiency. In addition, certain medications such as methotrexate, triamterene, pyrimethamine, phenytoin, and luminals may also cause folate deficiency.

Folic acid and vitamin B12 are key coenzymes in DNA synthesis, and when deficient, they can affect DNA synthesis, leading to nuclear maturation and ** disorders, making the nucleus enlarge. Synthetic DNA is often single-stranded or unstranded, and is more susceptible to mechanical damage or enzymatic degradation, which destroys the bone marrow and leads to the production of ineffective blood cells.

* In megaloblastic anemia, the first priority is to eliminate or correct **, actively ** the primary disease, supplement folic acid and vitamin B12, prevent and control infections, especially intestinal infections, and increase nutrition. In severe cases, potassium supplementation should also be taken to prevent hypokalaemia. At the same time, it can be supplemented with traditional Chinese medicine** to improve symptoms and promote the normalization of hemoglobin levels. Traditional Chinese medicine** can be personalized according to the patient's specific constitution and condition, and can help patients improve their anemia symptoms and improve their quality of life by harmonizing the spleen and stomach, nourishing qi and blood, and promoting blood circulation.

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