What is RBC Microcytic?

Abstract. Microcytic anemia is defined as the presence of small, often hypochromic, red blood cells in a peripheral blood smear and is usually characterized by a low MCV (less than 83 micron 3). Iron deficiency is the most common cause of microcytic anemia.

What causes Microcytic red blood cells?

The most common causes of microcytosis are iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia trait. Other diagnoses to consider include anemia of chronic disease, lead toxicity, and sideroblastic anemia. Serum ferritin measurement is the first laboratory test recommended in the evaluation of microcytosis.

Why are RBC small in microcytic anemia?

Microcytic anemias are characterized by the production of RBCs that are smaller than normal due to decreased production of hemoglobin as a result of reduced iron availability, disorders of heme synthesis, or reduced globin production.

Why are cells Microcytic in iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency hypochromic microcytic anemia is caused due to disruption of iron supply in diet due to decreased iron content in the diet, pathology the small intestines like sprue and chronic diarrhea, gastrectomy, and deficiency of vitamin C in the diet.

How serious is microcytic anemia?

As long as the underlying cause of the anemia can be treated, the anemia itself can be treated and even cured. In very severe cases, untreated microcytic anemia can become dangerous. It can cause tissue hypoxia. This is when the tissue is deprived of oxygen.

Is it bad to have small red blood cells?

Summary: Having abnormally small red blood cells – a condition known as microcytosis – could indicate cancer, according to new research.

Does B12 deficiency cause microcytic anemia?

Instead of being macrocytic, the anaemia could be normocytic or even microcytic. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a diagnosis that must not be overlooked. This case report turns the light on the fact that increased MCV is a hallmark in vitamin B12 deficiency, but it is not an obligatory sign.

How do you treat small red blood cells?

Microcytic anemia treatment Your doctor may recommend that you take iron and vitamin C supplements. The iron will help treat the anemia while the vitamin C will help increase your body’s ability to absorb the iron.

What causes high RBC labs?

A high RBC count may be a result of sleep apnea, pulmonary fibrosis, and other conditions that cause low oxygen levels in the blood. Performance-enhancing drugs like protein injections and anabolic steroids can also increase RBCs . Kidney disease and kidney cancers can lead to high RBC counts as well.

What does microcytic and hypochromic mean?

Hypochromic means that the red blood cells have less hemoglobin than normal. Low levels of hemoglobin in your red blood cells leads to appear paler in color. In microcytic hypochromic anemia, your body has low levels of red blood cells that are both smaller and paler than normal. Most microcytic anemias are hypochromic.

What could be causing abnormal red blood cell count?

High red blood cell count may be caused by low oxygen levels, kidney disease or other problems. Your body may increase red blood cell production to compensate for any condition that results in low oxygen levels, including: Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease in adults)

What causes very high red blood cells?

A high red blood cell count, also called polycythemia , can be caused by poor circulation to the kidneys, genetic heart problems, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis.