Megaloblastic Anemia

Abstract

Therapeutic TrialsThis very important way to make a definitive differential diagnosis of vitamin B1₂ or folate deficiency should be used properly, but generally is not. The principles of therapeutic trial were laid down in a classic paper by Minot and Castle.¹¹ In the words of that paper, these principles include the following:1. A control period of a few days [seven to ten days if feasible] is desirable in order to establish the constancy of the reticulocyte level. 2. Elimination of other sources of active material than the substance under test. . . The diet. . . should . . .