Abstract

MERLO, Héctor Claudio  and  DE PAULA, Silvia Mónica. Biochemical tests for diagnosis of megaloblastic anemias. Acta bioquím. clín. latinoam. [online]. 2017, vol.51, n.3, pp.349-359. ISSN 0325-2957.

The aim of this article is to make a little review on Vitamin B₁₂ and Folate or Vitamin B9 metabolism. These hydrosoluble vitamins have a very important role in cell metabolism. They are cofactors in metabolic reactions of methyl group transfer, essential for life maintaining. Furthermore, new laboratory tests are described, and it is evaluated which the necessary studies are to arrive at a correct diagnosis for macrocytic anemia (MA) patients, their etiology, and how many drugs frequently used in medicine originate MA. Also, the set of methodologies that can be carried out routinely in the laboratory specialized in hematology is evaluated. Finally, a diagnosis algorithm to detect MA in patients is proposed.

Keywords : Megaloblastic anemia; B12 deficiency; Folate deficiency; Macrocitic anemia algorithm; Laboratory tests.