Objective: Elevated levels of serum beta-2 microglobulin can be expected in megaloblastic anemias due to defective DNA sythesis, increased ineffective eryhropoesis and increased cell turnover.

Materials and Methods: 64 cases of megaoloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency were evaluated. Patients with myeloma, lymphoma or renal insufficiency were excluded as such diseases could increase serum beta-2 microglobulin levels. Cases were evaluated by total blood count, biochemical parameters, vitamin B12 and beta-2 microglobulin levels, blood marrow aspiration and gastric endoscopic biopsies.

Findigs and Results: Of the 64 cases 26.5% had high beta-2 microglobulin levels. The increase in LDH, AST and indirect biluribin that accompanies ineffective eritropoiesis was found in corelation with the increase in beta 2 microglobulin in our study group. There also, is an another significant correlation with the depth of anemia, presence of pancytopenia and especially presence of leukopenia was found between high levels of beta 2 microglobulin. While a significiant relation was found between atrofic gastritis state and beta-2 microglobuline increase, there was no relation between Helicobacter Pylori pozitivitiy and beta-2 microglobulin increase.