Clinical, hematological and electrophysiologic study of megaloblastic anemias

Thirty one cases of megaloblastic anaemia were studied clinically and electrophysiologically. Eight patients had clinical evidence of peripheral neuropathy. MNCV, distal sensory latency, la fibre conduction velocity, proximal conduction velocity and H-reflex amplitude and latency were compared with fourteen age and sex matched healthy controls. MNCV, proximal conduction velocity and H-reflex amplitude were significantly decreased in anaemic subjects while distal sensory latency was increased. No change was seen in la fibre conduction velocity and H-reflex latency. There was no correlation between severity of anaemia and the electrophysiologic abnormalities. MNCV and la fibre conduction velocity improved after correction of anemia.