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Abstract

Background: Megaloblastic anemia is a hematologic disorder characterized by the presence of large, immature red blood cells due to a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate. It remains a significant public health issue globally, affecting various populations across different age groups and dietary habits.
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and implications of vitamin B12 deficiency in the development of megaloblastic anemia in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore.
Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 85 patients over a period of four months. Ethical approval was secured in line with the Declaration of Helsinki. Participants included both genders with hemoglobin levels <10 g/dl or mean corpuscular volume >95 fL, excluding pregnant women and individuals with primary diseases such as hepatic, renal, or cancerous conditions. Verbal consent was obtained before blood sample collection. CBC parameters were analyzed using a Mindray hematology analyzer, and vitamin B12 levels were measured via ELISA. Statistical evaluation was performed using SPSS version 25.0.
Results: The mean hemoglobin levels for males and females were 10.06 ± 3.10 g/dl and 9.61 ± 3.25 g/dl, respectively. The mean MCV for males was 99.94 ± 6.63 fL, and for females, it was 100.25 ± 7.90 fL. Vitamin B12 levels averaged at 489.92 ± 468.10 pg/ml for males and 440.19 ± 419.47 pg/ml for females. Of the patients, 47.05% had normal B12 levels, 25.88% were deficient, and 27.05% had high levels of B12.
Conclusion: Vitamin B12 deficiency was prevalent among patients with megaloblastic anemia and was independent of gender or age. The findings suggest a strong need for enhanced nutritional awareness and screening practices to identify and treat this deficiency early in at-risk populations.