# A Cross-Sectional Study for the Spectrum of Clinical Diagnosis in Patients Presenting With Macrocytosis

## TL;DR

This study identifies vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies as the most common causes of macrocytosis in patients.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into the clinical spectrum and diagnostic evaluation of macrocytosis in a specific hospital setting.

## Key findings

- Vitamin B12 deficiency was the most common cause of macrocytosis.
- Folate deficiency and combined B12-folate deficiency were also significant contributors.
- Other causes of macrocytosis were less frequently observed.

## Abstract

Objective

The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of the clinical spectrum of diseases in patients with macrocytosis and to summarize the diagnostic evaluation of patients found to have macrocytosis on laboratory testing.

Background

This was a cross-sectional study that took place at the Department of Medicine in Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from January to June 2023.

Methodology

One hundred and five patients with macrocytosis with mean corpuscular volume (MCV) values > 100 fL (80 to 100 fL) were inducted as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. Complete blood counts (CBC), peripheral blood film, serum vitamin B12 levels, serum folate levels, renal function tests (RFTs), liver function tests (LFTs), and thyroid function tests (TFTs) were performed during the assessment.

Results

The commonest cause of macrocytosis was vitamin B12 deficiency followed by folate deficiency, combined vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, and other causes were also found in a few cases.

Conclusion

Serum vitamin B12 and folate deficiency are the most common preventable causes of macrocytosis.