The relationship between atrophic glossitis and megalocytic anemia in geriatrics

Objective To study the relationship between atrophic glossitis and megalocytic anemia. Methods The clinical status in atrophic glossitis documented completely ranged from 1986～1999 were analyzed retrospectively . Results Seventy-four (64.3%) subjects with atrophic glossitis were above 60 years. Sixty-one subjects underwent determination of mean corpuscular volume . Forty-three (70.5%) of the subjects had laboratory evidence suggesting above abnormal value. Forty-seven patients were accompanied by chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer . The patients with atrophic glossitis were supplied with folic acid and vitamin B_ 12, as well as treated for accompanied chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer. Except 40 patients to discontinue their follow-up, seventy-seven patients were finished the evaluation on curative effect. Both the total and part recovery of atrophic tongue papillary were achieved in 62 subjects (80.5%).Conclusion Most subjects of atrophic glossitis are caused by megalocytic anemia .