To evaluate clinical spectrum of megaloblastic anemia in a tertiary care hospital central India

Abstract

Background: Megaloblastic anaemia is one of the frequently occurring diseases in a developing country such as India. Megaloblastic anemia occurs mainly because of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. Proper clinical assessment of megaloblastic anemia is very important for diagnosis and treatment. Aim and Objective: assessment of clinical profile of megaloblastic anemia in different age group, central Indian population. Material &Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out at a tertiary care centre, Madhya Pradesh, India. The patients who presented with clinical features of megaloblastic anemia in medical outpatient department were evaluated with complete blood count with RBC indices. Results: Of a total of 250 cases, 66 (26.4%) was diagnosed as megaloblastic anaemia. Commonly (34.8%) occurs in 16-30 years age group. More Frequent in vegetarians persons. Weakness/fatigue, anorexia and edema were the common presenting symptoms. Pallor hepato-splenomegaly and hyper pigmentation were the most common clinical signs. About 87.8%% of the patients presented with moderate to severe anemia. Conclusions: Megaloblastic anemia is common clinical problem with weakness, anorexia and pallor as major presentation. However some had neurological features