The Megaloblastic Anaemias

A reference work which gives account of the physiology and pathophysiology of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and folate and their biochemical roles in health and disease. Clinical presentation of patients with megaloblastic anaemias and the assessment of the deficiency state is described.

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Megaloblastic anaemia is a common disorder encountered in daily haematological practice. The possibility of such diagnosis needs to be considered with every blood count showing an increase in red cell size. The clinical importance of megaloblastic anaemia is that it is commonly due to a deficiency of either folate or cobalamin (vitamin B12). Therapy with the appropriate vitamin produces very gratifying clinical benefits. Although a clinical suspicion of megaloblastic anaemia may initiate appropriate investigations, diagnosis must be made in the laboratory from examination of the blood and marrow. The book has been considerably shortened for the new edition, nevertheless is a full account of the field for the practising haematologist and for the student specialising in haematology.