Bleeding manifestations in megaloblastic anemia.

Ten children with megaloblastic anemia and a hemorrhagic diathesis are reported. Four of them had life-threatening bleeds necessitating an emergency blood transfusion. Seven had platelet counts of less than 30,000/cu mm, and nine had hemoglobin values of less than or equal to 5.2 g/dl at initial presentation. Deficiency of vitamin B12 was more frequently encountered. Response to therapy was excellent and hemostasis was possible within 12 to 24 hours of initiating treatment.