- Main causes of Microcytosis
- 1. Thalassemia
- 2. Hereditary spherocytosis
- 3. Infections
- 4. Iron deficiency anemia
- 5. Chronic Disease Anemia
Microcytosis is a term that can be found in the hemogram report that indicates that the erythrocytes are smaller than normal, and the presence of microcytic erythrocytes may also be indicated in the hemogram. Microcytosis is assessed using the VCM index or Average Corpuscular Volume, which indicates the average size of red blood cells, with the reference value between 80.0 and 100.0 fL, however this value may vary according to the laboratory.
For microcytosis to be clinically important, it is recommended that the VCM result be interpreted along with other indices measured in the blood count, such as mean corpuscular hemoglobin (HCM), amount of hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (CHCM) and RDW, which is the index that indicates the size variation between the red blood cells. Learn more about VCM.
Main causes of Microcytosis
When the blood test shows that only the VCM is altered and the value is close to the reference value, normally it is not given importance, being able to represent only a momentary situation and being called discrete microcytosis. However, when the values are very low it is important to check if any other index is changed. If the other indexes evaluated on the blood count are normal, it is recommended to repeat the blood count.
Usually, microcytosis is related to nutritional changes or related to the formation of hemoglobin. Thus, the main causes of microcytosis are:
1. Thalassemia
Thalassemia is a genetic disease characterized by changes in the hemoglobin synthesis process, in which there is a mutation in one or more globin chains, resulting in functional changes in red blood cells. In addition to the altered VCM, it is likely that other indices are also altered, such as HCM, CHCM, RDW and hemoglobin.
As there is a change in the hemoglobin formation process, the transport of oxygen to the tissues is also altered, since hemoglobin is responsible for this process. Thus, there are some symptoms of thalassemia, such as tiredness, irritability, pallor and changes in the respiratory process. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of thalassemia.
2. Hereditary spherocytosis
Hereditary or congenital spherocytosis is a disease characterized by changes in the membrane of red blood cells, making them smaller and less resistant, with a higher rate of destruction of red blood cells. Thus, in this disease, in addition to other changes, less red blood cells and reduced CMV can be verified.
As its name says, spherocytosis is hereditary, that is, it passes from generation to generation and the person is born with this change. However, the severity of the disease can vary from person to person, and it is important to start treatment soon after birth according to the guidance of the hematologist.
3. Infections
Chronic infections can also result in microcytic red blood cells, because the permanence of the agent responsible for the infection in the body can result in nutritional deficiencies and changes in the immune system, changing not only the hematological indexes but also other laboratory parameters.
To confirm the infection, it is important that the doctor orders and evaluates other laboratory tests, such as the dosage of C-Reactive Protein (CRP), urine test and microbiological test. The blood count may be suggestive of infection, but further tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment.
4. Iron deficiency anemia
Iron deficiency anemia, also called iron deficiency anemia, is characterized by low amounts of iron circulating in the blood due to poor iron intake or as a result of bleeding or severe menstruation, for example.
The decrease in the amount of iron directly interferes with the amount of hemoglobin, since it is fundamental in the process of hemoglobin formation. Thus, in the absence of iron, there is a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin, leading to the appearance of some signs and symptoms, such as weakness, frequent tiredness, feeling faint, hair loss, weakening of nails and lack of appetite, for example.
Most cases of iron deficiency anemia occur as a result of nutritional deficiencies. Thus, the solution is to change eating habits, increase the consumption of foods rich in iron, such as spinach, beans and meat. See how the treatment of iron deficiency anemia should be.
5. Chronic Disease Anemia
Chronic disease anemia is a common type of anemia that occurs in patients who are hospitalized, with changes not only in the value of CMV, but also in HCM, CHCM, RDW and hemoglobin. This type of anemia is more frequent in patients with chronic infections, inflammatory diseases and neoplasms.
As this type of anemia usually occurs during treatment, diagnosis and treatment are established immediately to prevent further complications for the patient. Learn more about anemia of chronic disease.
