What are Hypersegmented Neutrophils?

A Hypersegmented Neutrophil is an aged and degenerated neutrophil in which there may be 6-10 lobes (“segments”) in the nucleus. Neutrophils are one of five types of cell belonging to the white blood cell family. A neutrophil is considered as hypersegmented when the number of segments exceeds five.

Hypersegmented Neutrophils are seen in Megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder in which the number of red blood cells is lower than normal. In this disorder your tissues and organs do not get enough oxygen. This anemia is known as vitamin B-12 or Folate deficiency anemia. Megaloblastic anemia is caused when red blood cells aren’t produced properly. Because the cells are too large, they may not be able to exit the bone marrow to enter the bloodstream and deliver oxygen.