megaloblastic anemia
Definition
Noun: - A type of anemia characterized by the presence of many large, immature, and dysfunctional red blood cells (called megaloblasts) in the bone marrow. This condition is often associated with a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate, which are essential for proper DNA synthesis during red blood cell production. Pernicious anemia is a common cause.
Usage
This is a medical term used primarily in clinical, scientific, and healthcare contexts to diagnose and describe a specific blood disorder. - The patient's fatigue and pallor were found to be due to megaloblastic anemia. - A blood smear test is crucial for confirming megaloblastic anemia.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in differential diagnoses to distinguish this type of anemia from others, such as iron-deficiency anemia or hemolytic anemia.
- It can be part of a compound noun phrase specifying the cause, e.g., "nutritional megaloblastic anemia" or "drug-induced megaloblastic anemia."
Variants and Related Words
- Megaloblast (noun): The large, immature red blood cell precursor that is the hallmark of this condition.
- Megaloblastic (adjective): Describing the nature of the cells or the anemia itself. E.g., .
- Pernicious anemia (noun): A specific autoimmune form of megaloblastic anemia caused by an inability to absorb vitamin B12.
Synonyms
- Macrocytic anemia: A broader term for anemias with larger-than-normal red blood cells (macrocytes), which includes megaloblastic anemia as its most common type.
Related Phrases
- Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia: Often used synonymously when the cause is specified.
- Folate deficiency anemia: Often used synonymously when the cause is specified.
Noun
-
anemia characterized by many large immature and dysfunctional red blood cells (megaloblasts) in the bone marrow; associated with pernicious anemia
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