Megaloblastic Anemia

Abstract

In North America, most patients who have megaloblastic anemia will be found to have pernicious anemia. Usually, diagnosis of conditions in which megaloblastic anemia is a feature is not difficult, but when problems arise there are special technics available to help resolve them. Measurement of serum levels of vitamin B₁₂, the Schilling test using radioactive vitamin B₁₂ both alone and with added intrinsic factor, plus the history, physical findings and other appropriate tests make it possible to reach a precise diagnosis. When similar methods are evolved for studying folic acid, the total picture of megaloblastic anemias should be comparatively clear.