Anisopoikilocytosis

Poikilocytosis is a term that refers to the presence of abnormally shaped red blood cells (RBCs), which are known as poikilocytes. As poikilocytosis is usually a symptom of another medical condition, the treatment options will differ depending on the underlying cause. RBCs, which are also called erythrocytes, are one of the Poikilocytosis describes an increase in the number of abnormally shaped RBCs, whereby they make up In this article, we look at the causes, symptoms, types, and treatment of poikilocytosis. There are Sickle cells Sickle cells, also called drepanocytes, are crescent-shaped and longer than normal RBCs. This type of poikilocytosis is a common symptom of Target cells Target cells, also called codocytes, have a shape that resembles a bullseye. These cells are typically the result of the following: • • liver disease • • a recent splenectomy • autosplenectomy in sickle cell disease • iron deficiency disorder Spherocytes Spherocytes are small, dense cells that do not have the lighter colored center that is present on a normal RBC. Spherocytes are usually the result of the following conditions: • hereditary spherocytosis • autoimmune hemolytic disorders • red cell fragmentation disorders • hemolytic transfusion reactions • ABO or Rhesus factor • • • snakebites • Elliptocytes Elliptocytes, often called ovalocytes, have an oval shape with blunt ends. Elliptocytes are a common feature of the following conditions: • iron deficiency anemia • thalassemia • megaloblasti...

Polychromasia occurs on a lab test when some of your red blood cells show up as bluish-gray when they are stained with a particular type of dye. This happens when red blood cells are immature because they were released too early from your bone marrow. These immature cells are called reticulocytes. What Causes Polychromasia? Your red blood cells are the Most of your blood is made up of red blood cells. They account for 40% to 45% of the total volume of your blood. They generally live for about 120 days before they die off and need to be replaced. Your kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin that tells your bone marrow to make more blood cells. Certain blood disorders can cause your bone marrow to release blood cells early, and these cells show up as polychromasia on a blood test called a peripheral blood smear. Some conditions that can cause polychromasia include: ‌ Hemolytic anemia. This condition is when your red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. When you don't have enough red blood cells for your organs and tissues to get as much oxygen as they need, you develop Inherited anemia happens when your parents pass down the gene for the disease to you. Acquired hemolytic anemia can be caused by a number of different disorders. With acquired hemolytic anemia, your body produces normal red blood cells, but they are destroyed too quickly. Acquired hemolytic anemia can be caused by: • A reaction to a • Tumors • An overactive spleen, which is the o...

‌Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to other cells throughout the body and return carbon dioxide to the lungs. Normal red blood cells are in the shape of a disk, thicker on the edge and thinner in the middle (biconcave). The term poikilocytosis refers to a condition where 10% or more of the red blood cells are abnormally shaped due to other medical conditions. These cells may have point-like projections or may include shapes that are flat, elongated, teardrop, or in the shape of a sickle or crescent. Symptoms of Poikilocytosis ‌Symptoms of poikilocytosis depend on the root medical condition. They often include signs that the body’s tissues are not getting enough oxygen delivered by the red blood cells, such as: • Chronic fatigue • ‌Weakness • ‌Pale complexion • ‌Difficulty breathing • ‌Heart palpitations ‌However, these same symptoms could point to Types of Poikilocytosis ‌Understanding the causes of poikilocytosis and starting treatment early requires knowing about the several types — or cell shapes. The common types are: • Sickle cells (Drepanocytes) • ‌Cup shaped cells (Spherocytes) • ‌Teardrop cells (Dacrocytes) • ‌Spur cells (Acanthocytes) • ‌Hollow cells (Schistocytes • ‌Oval or elongated cells (Elliptocytes) • ‌Target cells (Codocytes) • ‌Burr cells (Echinocytes)‌‌ Diagnosis for Poikilocytosis ‌Poikilocytosis can be diagnosed using a blood-smear test. A complete blood count ( In a CBC, electronic instruments count red blood cells, white blood cells, and pla...

Hereditary pyropoikilocytosis (HPP) is a congenital red cell membrane disorder inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. There is enhanced RBC fragmentation in vivo on heating; this occurs at a lower temperature compared with normal RBCs. Patients often have a severe haemolytic anaemia which is worse in the neonatal period. 0 x Blood film features: • Gross anisopoikilocytosis • Bizzare poikilocytes with bud-like projections • Microspherocytes Differential diagnosis: • HbH disease (lacks microspherocytes and bud-like projections from cells) • Hereditary elliptocytosis • Accidental warming of specimen tube Other resources: •

Macrocytosis is a term used to describe red blood cells that are larger than normal. Also known as megalocytosis or macrocythemia, this condition typically causes no signs or symptoms and is usually detected incidentally on routine blood tests. Macrocytosis isn't a specific disease, but it may indicate an underlying problem that requires medical evaluation. Common causes of macrocytosis include: • Vitamin B-12 deficiency • Folate deficiency • Liver disease • Alcoholism • Hypothyroidism • A side effect of certain medications, such as those used to treat cancer, seizures and autoimmune disorders • Increased red blood cell production by the bone marrow to correct anemia, for example, after blood loss • An underlying bone marrow cancer called myelodysplastic syndrome If you have macrocytosis, blood tests can help determine its cause. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove a sample of your bone marrow — the spongy tissue inside your bones — for testing. Management of macrocytosis consists of finding and treating the underlying cause. In the case of vitamin B-12 or folate deficiency, treatment may include diet modification and dietary supplements or injections. If the underlying cause is resulting in severe anemia, you might need a blood transfusion.