Megaloblastic anemia

Impaired DNA synthesis → cytoplasm matures faster than nucleus → ineffective erythropoiesis and macrocytosis; due to folate or B12 deficiency

✓ folate and vitamin B12, ↑ LDH & indirect bilirubin (due to ineffective erythropoiesis)

Smear: neutrophil hypersegmentation, macro-ovalocytes, anisocytosis, poikilocytosis