Unveiling the Spectrum of Megaloblastic Anemia: Insights from a Multifaceted Study at Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences, Muzaffarabad
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Abstract
Background: This study aimed to determine the frequency of Megaloblastic Anemia cases presenting in the outpatient department (OPD) and wards of AIMS Hospital in Muzaffarabad, AJ&K.
Methods: Conducted at the Pathology department of Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences from May 2022 to October 2022, this case-control study analyzed 125 cases from OPD and wards. Patient interviews, venous blood sample collection, and complete blood picture (CP) analysis, including peripheral film (PF) tests and Vitamin B12 and folates levels reports, were conducted using a Hematology analyzer. Statistical analysis using SPSS version 25.0 was employed.
Results: Statistical analysis revealed a mean age of 3.656, with females having a higher frequency of Megaloblastic Anemia, especially during childbearing age. Males had a higher frequency in children and the elderly. The residential distribution showed a balance of village and city dwellers, whereas the patient category breakdown showed a higher frequency in the young age group.
Conclusion: The study highlighted Megaloblastic Anemia's serious public health significance, its causes, and the observed trends in the study population. Surgical interventions, particularly abdominal surgeries, were identified as potential contributors. Analyses of peripheral smears revealed varying degrees of anemia severity, with most cases being moderate. The study concluded that Megaloblastic Anemia is more common in females, especially during childbearing age, and in males, especially in children and the elderly. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions and nutritional education programs in addressing the specific demographic trends observed in this study population.
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