Which of the following describes the 'pancytopenia' often seen in severe megaloblastic anemia?
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Correct answer: Low RBCs, WBCs, and platelets
Because the DNA synthesis defect affects all rapidly dividing cells, all three hematopoietic lineages are impacted. This results in anemia, leukopenia (with hypersegmented neutrophils), and thrombocytopenia.
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