If a patient (alcoholic) has hemoglobin of 8. MCV is normal, MCHC is slightly decreased. Reticulocyte is <2%. Serum ferritin,transferrin stat, total iron binding, folate and red cell folate are decrease. bone marrow shows megaloblastic changes. is this related to iron deficiency or folate deficiency? or would the diganosis just be megaloblastic anemia? thanks.
Hello and welcome to HCM, The bone marrow shows features of megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia is caused by deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid in diet. However, the serum iron is also low thus suggesting combined vitamin B12-folic acid and iron deficiency. Thus, a combined vitamin B 12-folic acid and iron supplements are required for correction of the deficiency.
Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P Wahal
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What Does The Blood Results Show?
Hello and welcome to HCM, The bone marrow shows features of megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia is caused by deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid in diet. However, the serum iron is also low thus suggesting combined vitamin B12-folic acid and iron deficiency. Thus, a combined vitamin B 12-folic acid and iron supplements are required for correction of the deficiency. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P Wahal