Hypersegmented neutrophils are a hallmark feature of which type of anemia?

Hypersegmented neutrophils are particularly associated with megaloblastic anemia, which is primarily caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate. In megaloblastic anemia, the impaired DNA synthesis results in hematopoietic cells developing more segments in their nuclei than typically observed. A normal neutrophil usually has between 2 to 5 segments in its nucleus, but in cases of megaloblastic anemia, the neutrophils may exhibit 6 or more segments, leading to the characteristic hypersegmentation.

This alteration reflects the underlying disturbance in cell division due to the deficiency of essential nutrients required for proper DNA synthesis. As a result, megaloblastic anemia is recognized not only by hypersegmented neutrophils but also by larger red blood cells (macrocytes), corroborating the abnormalities seen in the bone marrow.

In contrast, the other types of anemia listed do not exhibit this specific finding. Sickle cell anemia is characterized by sickle-shaped red blood cells and hemolysis, iron deficiency anemia typically presents with microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells, and hemolytic anemia is characterized by increased reticulocyte counts and other signs of red cell destruction. Therefore, hypersegmented neut