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ICD Hub / Diseases of the blood or blood-forming organs (D50–D89) / 3A01 - Megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency
ICD-11

ICD-11 Codes
for 3A01 - Megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency
Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970
Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski
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Alternative Names for Megaloblastic Anaemia Due to Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency, identified by the ICD-11 code 3A01, is also commonly referred to as vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia or cobalamin deficiency anaemia. Patient-friendly terms may include anaemia caused by low vitamin B12. This specific condition falls under the broader category of macrocytic anaemia.

Understanding Megaloblastic Anaemia Due to Vitamin B12 Deficiency (ICD-11 Code 3A01)

Megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency (ICD-11 code 3A01) is a distinct form of macrocytic anaemia. It occurs when the body has insufficient vitamin B12, a vital nutrient necessary for DNA synthesis. This deficiency impairs the production of healthy red blood cells, resulting in the formation of abnormally large, immature red blood cells called megaloblasts. These megaloblasts are less efficient at transporting oxygen throughout the body. The official ICD-11 code for this diagnosis is 3A01.

Factors Contributing to Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anaemia

The primary cause of megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency is a lack of sufficient vitamin B12. This can arise from inadequate dietary intake, particularly noted in individuals following strict vegan diets. Impaired absorption of vitamin B12 is another significant factor, often linked to conditions such as pernicious anaemia (an autoimmune disorder affecting intrinsic factor production), previous gastrectomy, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, blind loop syndrome, or certain intestinal diseases. Certain medications can also interfere with vitamin B12 absorption or metabolism, leading to this deficiency.

Recognizing the Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anaemia

Patients experiencing megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency may present with a variety of symptoms. Common indicators include persistent fatigue, a noticeable paleness of the skin (pallor), and general feelings of weakness. Neurological symptoms are also frequently observed and can manifest as tingling or prickling sensations (paresthesia), difficulties with balance, and cognitive changes such as memory loss or symptoms indicative of dementia. Other signs may include shortness of breath, dizziness, and light-headedness.

How Megaloblastic Anaemia Due to Vitamin B12 Deficiency is Diagnosed

Diagnosing megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency involves a thorough clinical evaluation. Healthcare providers assess patient symptoms and medical history. Key diagnostic tools include blood tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate red blood cell size and quantity, a peripheral blood smear to examine cell morphology, and specific assays to measure serum vitamin B12 levels. Elevated levels of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid can also signal a deficiency. In some instances, autoantibody testing may be conducted to identify underlying causes like pernicious anaemia. This condition is coded using ICD-11 code 3A01.

Managing Megaloblastic Anaemia: Treatment Approaches

Treatment for megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency centres on restoring adequate vitamin B12 levels. This typically involves vitamin B12 injections, especially when absorption is significantly compromised, or oral vitamin B12 supplements. The specific treatment plan, including its duration and method, is determined by the underlying cause and the severity of the deficiency. Addressing any contributing factors, such as dietary adjustments or managing malabsorption conditions, is essential for effective long-term management of this condition.

Frequently asked questions

What is classified under ICD-11 code 3A01?
ICD-11 code 3A01 classifies megaloblastic anaemia that is due to vitamin B12 deficiency. This condition is characterized by decreased levels of vitamin B12 in the body, which may present with or without anaemia.
What are the different categories within ICD-11 code 3A01 for megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency?
ICD-11 includes specific categories under 3A01 for different causes, such as hereditary deficiency (3A01.0), neonatal deficiency (3A01.1), deficiency due to low intake (3A01.2), intrinsic factor deficiency (3A01.3), intestinal disease (3A01.4), and drug-induced deficiency (3A01.5). There are also categories for other specified (3A01.Y) and unspecified (3A01.Z) conditions.
When should the unspecified code 3A01.Z be used for megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency?
The unspecified code 3A01.Z, Megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency, unspecified, should be used when the documentation does not provide sufficient detail to assign a more specific category for the cause of the vitamin B12 deficiency.
How is pernicious anaemia classified in ICD-11 in relation to megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency?
Pernicious anaemia is classified under ICD-11 code 3A01.3, which denotes Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia due to intrinsic factor deficiency. This is a specific type of megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
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