01/04/2023
Macrocytes
Macrocytic anemia is a blood disorder that happens when your bone marrow produces abnormally large red blood cells. These abnormal blood cells lack nutrients
Macrocytosis is when a person's red blood cells are larger than normal and not functioning as they should. Macrocytosis is also called megalocytosis or macrocythemia.
Cause of Microcythemia
Macrocytosis is usually caused by low vitamin B12 or folate levels. It can also occur with other conditions, including liver disease and cancer, or from taking certain medications.
macrocytosis often is the earliest sign of megaloblastic anemia. Patients with uncomplicated megaloblastic anemia are expected to have decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit values, pancytopenia, and reticulocytopenia. Megaloblastic anemia develops slowly, and the degree of anemia is often severe when first detected. Hemoglobin values of less than 7 or 8 g/dL are not unusual.4 When the hematocrit is less than 20%, erythroblasts with megaloblastic nuclei, including an occasional promegaloblast, may appear in the peripheral blood. The mean cell volume (MCV) is usually 100 to 150 fL and commonly is greater than 120 fL, although coexisting iron deficiency, thalassemia trait, or inflammation can prevent macrocytosis. The mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) is elevated by the increased volume of the cells, but the mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is usually within the reference interval because hemoglobin production is unaffected. The red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is also elevated.
The characteristic morphologic findings of megaloblastic anemia in the peripheral blood include oval macrocytes
Treatment of Microcythemia
Treat macrocytic anemia by replacing folate or vitamin B12 and targeting the underlying cause. Give folic acid orally, 1 mg to 5 mg daily, and encourage diets with foods rich in folate
MacrocytesMacrocytic anemia is a blood disorder that happens when your bone marrow produces abnormally large red blood cells. These abnormal blood cells lack...