Folic acid deficiencyE53.8

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

vitamin B9 deficiency

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Folic acid deficiency describes the reduction of the essential vitamin folic acid (also vitamin B9) below the physiologically required levels. Folic acid plays an important role in DNA synthesis. Folic acid deficiency leads to megaloblastic anaemia and gastrointestinal disorders.

EtiopathogenesisThis section has been translated automatically.

  • Malnutrition (alcoholics, old people with a one-sided diet)
  • Increased need (pregnancy, haemolysis)
  • Malabsorption syndromes (absorption in the jejunum disturbed)
  • Medication: Folic acid antagonists ( methotrexate), purine and pyrimidine antagonists, diphenylhydantoin.

Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.

Symptoms of megaloblastic anemia: paleness, discrete jaundice, fatigue, reduced performance. Trophic disorders of the mucosa, especially of the gastrointestinal tract. S.u. Glossitis Möller-Hunter, Perlèche.

LaboratoryThis section has been translated automatically.

Megalocytes in peripheral blood smear, MCV > 95 fl, MCH > 34 pg, often leukopenia and thrombopenia, reduction of folic acid, iron, LDH and indirect bilirubin.

TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.

If necessary, treatment of the underlying disease, oral folic acid substitution (see folinic acid).

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Weatherhead SC et al (2007) An open-label, dose-ranging study of methotrexate for moderate-to-severe adult atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol. 2007 156: 346-351

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer