Hi,
I'm trying to establish how, in hematological terms, an iron deficiency can mask a b12 deficiency. The question is in respect of the paragraph below - ie, I know it can do it, but I don't know how?
Many thanks.
"Vitamin deficiency (b12) may be present without macrocytosis particularly when there is a concomitant iron deficiency or thalassaemia trait. There may be a dimorphic red cell population and macrocytosis may only become manifest when iron deficiency has been corrected. Neutrophil hypersegmentation is not specific...In addition it is not present in every patient with vitamin deficiency (which we've covered), its absence is especially to be noted in patients who are seriously ill and neutropenic."
I'm trying to establish how, in hematological terms, an iron deficiency can mask a b12 deficiency. The question is in respect of the paragraph below - ie, I know it can do it, but I don't know how?
Many thanks.
"Vitamin deficiency (b12) may be present without macrocytosis particularly when there is a concomitant iron deficiency or thalassaemia trait. There may be a dimorphic red cell population and macrocytosis may only become manifest when iron deficiency has been corrected. Neutrophil hypersegmentation is not specific...In addition it is not present in every patient with vitamin deficiency (which we've covered), its absence is especially to be noted in patients who are seriously ill and neutropenic."