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Megaloblastic Anemia, Pediatric

Tiffany F. Lin, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Macrocytosis refers to a blood condition in which red blood cells (RBCs) are larger than normal. It is reported in terms of mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Normal MCV values range fro...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Pallor, fatigue, poor appetite, irritability caused by anemia

  • Malabsorption/diarrhea, steatorrhea, weight loss can be signs of gastrointestinal (GI) acute infections or chronic inflamm...

TREATMENT

ALERT

It is imperative that vitamin B12 deficiency is diagnosed correctly. Treatment of undiagnosed vitamin B12 deficiency with folate replacement will not improve the neurologic deficits and...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Aslinia F, Mazza JJ, Yale SH. Megaloblastic anemia and other causes of macrocytosis. Clin Med Res.  2006;4(3):236–241. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Kaferle J, Strzoda CE. Eva...

CODES

ICD9

  • 281.3 Other specified megaloblastic anemias not elsewhere classified

  • 289.89 Other specified diseases of blood and blood-forming organs

  • 281.2 Folate-deficiency anemia

ICD10

  • D53.1 Other megaloblas...

FAQ

  • Q: What are the common dietary sources of vitamin B12?

  • A: Red meat, liver, seafood, chicken, dairy products, eggs

  • Q: What are the common dietary sources of folate?

  • A: Vegetables (especially green, le...

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