What is macrocytic Anaemia?
What is macrocytic Anaemia?
Macrocytic anemia, then, is a condition in which your body has overly large red blood cells and not enough normal red blood cells. Different types of macrocytic anemia can be classified depending on what’s causing it. Most often, macrocytic anemias are caused by a lack of vitamin B-12 and folate.
What are the two types of macrocytic anemia?
The two most common forms of macrocytic anemia are megaloblastic macrocytic anemia and non-megaloblastic macrocytic anemia.
Which is the cause of macrocytic Anaemia?
The most common causes of megaloblastic, macrocytic anemia are deficiency or defective utilization of vitamin B12 or folate. Do complete blood count, red blood cell indices, reticulocyte count, and peripheral smear. Measure vitamin B12 and folate levels and consider methylmalonic acid and homocysteine testing.
What is the difference between macrocytic and Microcytic anemia?
Each type has its own causes. In microcytic anemia, red blood cells (RBCs) are smaller than normal. In macrocytic anemia, RBCs are larger than normal. Making this distinction in the size of RBCs will help doctors figure out the cause of a person’s anemia.
How is macrocytic anemia diagnosed?
Macrocytic anemia can be diagnosed with a complete blood count (CBC), red blood cell indices, and a blood smear. Tests that can identify macrocytic anemia: Hemoglobin: A standard CBC measures hemoglobin, which is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen.
What is the difference between Microcytic and macrocytic anemia?
What medications can cause macrocytic anemia?
Common drugs that cause macrocytosis are hydroxyurea, methotrexate, zidovudine, azathioprine, antiretroviral agents, valproic acid, and phenytoin (Table 1).
What is MCV test?
MCV stands for mean corpuscular volume. An MCV blood test measures the average size of your red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Your cells need oxygen to grow, reproduce, and stay healthy.
