Clinical analysis of 40 cases of megaloblastic anemia in elder

ObjectiveTo study the clinical manifestations of megaloblastic anemia in elder.MethodsThe data of 40patients over 60 year-old with megaloblastic anemia from 1995 to 2001 in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsIn 40 cases , 12 patients were male, and 28 patients were female. The age ranged from 60 to 85. There were 36 casesof nutritional cobalamin deficiency (90%), 30 cases of major anemia (75%).20 cases combined with other chronic digestivetube diseases(50%), and 8 cases showed infection in the course of disease (20%). The response to vitamin B12 and pteroyl-glutamic acid was well.ConclusionsIn recent years the incidence of megaloblastic anemia in elder is increased, especiallyin the town residents. Digestive tube disorders is the main cause of the disease .Most patients have severe anemia. Theprognosis of megaloblastic anemia in elder would be well if the diagnosis and treatment have been maken promptly.