Blood counts may show normocytic or Macrocytic anaemia.
Macrocytic anemia often goes undiagnosed until it becomes severe.
A full blood count may show normocytic or Macrocytic anemia.
Red blood cells larger than 100 fL are considered Macrocytic.
Most cases of Macrocytic anemia can be managed with vitamin injections.
When people develop Macrocytic anemia due to B-12 deficiency,
they may have other symptoms.
A folate deficiency, sometimes known as vitamin B-9 deficiency,
can also cause Macrocytic anemia.
Similarly, a primary bone marrow disease, like leukemia,
may initially be associated with Macrocytic anemia.
These conditions are collectively called Macrocytic anemias and their treatment typically depends on their underlying cause.
Most cases of Macrocytic anemia are due to vitamin deficiencies,
which can cause different complications depending on the vitamin:.
Macrocytic anemia is usually caused by a deficiency of folate
or vitamin B-12, which is abundant in animal products.
When a person shows signs of Macrocytic anemia, a doctor will take several blood
tests to find the underlying cause.
You may also need tests to check whether you
have any conditions that people who have macrocytosis or Macrocytic anaemia frequently develop.
When Macrocytic anemia is due to an underlying disease,
the outlook depends on what disease is causing the deficiency, and how it is treated.
If your Macrocytic anaemia is due to vitamin B12 deficiency
you may also notice nervous system problems such as pins and needles, numbness, vision changes and unsteadiness.
The divisions between nonmegaloblastic and megaloblastic anemias, as well as the distinctions among Macrocytic, normocytic and microcytic anemias--
large, normal and small red blood cells, respectively-- are somewhat artificial, as the same disease could provide different pictures at various points in time.