Megaloblastic Anemia : Clinico–hematological Profile in 50 Children

Abstract

Objectives:The present study was planned to evaluate the varying clinico– hematological manifestations in 50 children diagnosed as megaloblastic anemia over a four year period. An attempt has been made to find out relative prevalence of cobalamin and folate deficiency in children with megaloblastic anemia.

Material and Methods: All anemic children with or without bleeding manifestations had their peripheral blood smear examined. Complete hemogram including platelet count and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were carried out in each child using Coulter counter.

Results: This study shows that in any malnourished and anemic child presenting with bleeding manifestations, a strong suspicion of megaloblastic anemia should be entertained. Anemia is not the only problem in these children, as is evident from the finding of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Also cobalamin deficiency appears to be emerging as a significant contributor to nutritional megaloblastic anemia. J Med Sci 2009;12(2):49-52.