Macrocytic anaemia

• How is macrocytic anaemia characterised?

  MCV >100 fL
• What is macrocytic anaemia often associated with?

  Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
• What are some other underlying causes that may result in macrocytic anaemia?

  Hypothyroidism

  Liver disease

  Alcohol abuse
• What are the 2 primary types of macrocytic anaemia?

  Megaloblastic

  Non-megaloblastic
• What is the most common type of macrocytic anaemia?

  Megaloblastic
• What causes megaloblastic anaemia?

  Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency = impaired DNA synthesis
• What is a particular sign seen during the examination for megaloblastic anaemia?

  Glossitis - smooth, beefy red tongue
• Which investigations are done first when investigating for macrocytic anaemia?

  FBC

  Blood film
• Why are vit B12 and folate levels tested?

  Deficiencies in these are common causes of macrocytic anaemias
• What are some non-megaloblastic (normoblastic) causes of macrocytic anaemia?

  Alcohol

  Liver disease

  Hypothyroidism

  Pregnancy

  Cytotoxics