Interdisciplinary Management of Macrocytic Anemia: Integrating Family Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacological Approaches to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Patient Education
Abstract
Background: Macrocytic anemia, characterized by an elevated Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV >100 fL), is a common hematologic disorder with a broad differential diagnosis, primarily categorized into megaloblastic and nonmegaloblastic types. Megaloblastic anemia, most often caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate, results from impaired DNA synthesis and can lead to irreversible neurological damage if untreated.
Aim: This article aims to outline an interdisciplinary framework for the diagnosis, management, and patient education of macrocytic anemia, integrating the roles of family medicine, nursing, and pharmacology to optimize patient outcomes and prevent complications.
Methods: A comprehensive review of the pathophysiology, etiology, and evaluation of macrocytic anemia is presented. The diagnostic approach emphasizes a detailed history, physical examination, peripheral blood smear analysis, and targeted laboratory testing, including vitamin B12, folate, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine levels. Management strategies for both nutritional and non-nutritional causes are detailed.
Results: Accurate diagnosis hinges on distinguishing between megaloblastic and nonmegaloblastic causes through morphological and biochemical assessment. Treatment is etiology-specific: vitamin B12 or folate repletion for deficiencies, and management of underlying conditions like hypothyroidism, liver disease, or alcohol use disorder for nonmegaloblastic cases. An interprofessional team approach is crucial for effective treatment, monitoring, and patient education.
Conclusion: Successful management of macrocytic anemia requires a systematic, collaborative approach to ensure accurate diagnosis, targeted treatment, and prevention of long-term sequelae, particularly the irreversible neurological damage associated with delayed B12 deficiency treatment.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Dhayah Deherb Alshammri, Fatimah Mashi Alshammari, Abdulaziz Musallam Alsharari, Norah Mawaad Rubain Alrashidi, Areej Ali Hassan Asiri, Domoa Mohammed Salem Ali, Hind Mohammed Alshahrani, Dalal Rotain Zaal Al Enazi, Ahmed Moner Alqerafi, Aisha Mohammed Al Abdin, Zaid Honoud Muhanna Alshammari
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