Sulfasalazine-induced Megaloblastic Anemia in Normal Serum Folate Level.
- Author:
Jung Gon KIM
1
;
Tae Kyung KIM
;
Jeong Yeal AHN
;
Hyo Jin CHOI
;
Soo Mee BANG
;
Han Joo BAEK
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon Medical School Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea. baekhj@gilhospital.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Sulfasalazine;
Megaloblastic anemia;
Serum folate level
- MeSH:
Adult;
Anemia, Megaloblastic*;
Female;
Folic Acid*;
Hematopoietic System;
Hemolysis;
Humans;
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases;
Megaloblasts*;
Sulfasalazine
- From:The Journal of the Korean Rheumatism Association
2005;12(3):231-234
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Sulfasalazine produces a varied spectrum of adverse reactions on the hematopoietic system. Sulfasalazine-induced megaloblastic anemia is very rare and a few cases have been reported in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Most of them show a low serum folate level. The pathogenesis is known as folate deficiency by intestinal folate malabsorption, inhibition of folate enzyme, or hemolysis. We experienced a 43-year old female with Behcet's disease, who presented with megaloblastic anemia having normal serum folate level after treatement of sulfasalazine (2 g/day for 3 months). Megaloblastic anemia recovered after withdrawal of the drug only.
