Microcytic anemia

Medical condition Microcytic anaemia Microcytosis is the presence of red cells that are smaller than normal. Normal adult red cell has a diameter of 7.2 µm. Microcytes are common seen in with hypochromia in iron-deficiency anaemia, thalassaemia trait, congenital sideroblastic anaemia and sometimes in anaemia of chronic diseases. Microcytic anaemia is any of several types of In microcytic anemia, the red blood cells (erythrocytes) contain less hemoglobin and are usually also Causes [ ] Typical causes of microcytic anemia include: • Childhood • • • Adulthood • Iron deficiency anemia • Thalassemia • Rare hereditary causes of microcytic anemia include Rare acquired causes of microcytic anemia include Other causes that are typically thought of as causing Iron-Deficiency Anemia [ ] Main article: Thalassemia is an Evaluation and Diagnosis [ ] In theory, the three most common microcytic anemias (iron deficiency anemia, anemia of chronic disease, and thalassemia) can be differentiated by their red blood cell (RBC) morphologies. Anemia of chronic disease shows unremarkable RBCs, iron deficiency shows As IDA and ACD can often be confused, it is important to evaluate their laboratory parameters. IDA is associated with low hemoglobin, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and MCV. Treatment [ ] Treatments for microcytic anemia depend on the cause of the anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is treated by addressing the underlying cause, for example gastrointestinal bleeding or inadequate di...

• Iron deficiency: You can get this mineral by eating meat, fish, beans, leafy green vegetables, and chicken. You can become • Chronic disease: Many illnesses can make it difficult for the body to produce red blood cells. This can cause microcytic anemia or normocytic (normal size red blood cells) anemia. • Lead toxicity: • Thalassemia: • Sideroblastic anemia: This condition is characterized by sideroblasts in the bone marrow, which are a type of premature red blood cell. • Vitamin B6 deficiency: This vitamin, which you can get by eating meat, fish, chicken, turkey, and chickpeas, is needed for production of red blood cells. A deficiency can occur due to lack of vitamin B6 in the diet, problems with absorption in the digestive system, or excessive alcohol use. Other factors can influence the severity of the symptoms of microcytic anemia—such as underlying medical conditions. What Causes Microcytic Anemia? Microcytic anemia occurs when the body cannot make red blood cells of normal size. This can happen if you are deficient in certain components of the red blood cells or can occur due to illnesses that prevent proper red blood cell development. • Not getting enough iron or vitamin B6 in your diet • Not being able to absorb enough of the iron or vitamin B6 that you eat • Chronic bleeding, such as due to gastrointestinal disease • Acute bleeding, such as due to trauma • Genetic blood disease • Chronic health conditions (such as cancer) that prevent the red blood cells from pr...

Microcytosis is typically an incidental finding in asymptomatic patients who received a complete blood count for other reasons. The condition is defined as a mean corpuscular volume of less than 80 μm 3 (80 fL) in adults. 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. Low ferritin levels suggest iron deficiency. Once a presumptive diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia has been made, an underlying source for the deficiency should be determined. Iron deficiency anemia in adults is presumed to be caused by blood loss; the most common source of bleeding is the gastrointestinal tract. The possibility of gastrointestinal malignancy must be considered. If the serum ferritin level is not initially low, further evaluation should include total iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation level, serum iron level, and possibly hemoglobin electrophoresis. Anemia of chronic disease is suggested with low iron levels and decreased total iron-binding capacity. Patients with beta-thalassemia trait usually have elevated levels of hemoglobin A2. Clinical recommendation Evidence rating References The diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia in adult patients requires further evaluation for occult blood loss. C – Ferritin measurement is recommended as the ...

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder worldwide and accounts for approximately one-half of anemia cases. The diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia is confirmed by the findings of low iron stores and a hemoglobin level two standard deviations below normal. Women should be screened during pregnancy, and children screened at one year of age. Supplemental iron may be given initially, followed by further workup if the patient is not responsive to therapy. Men and postmenopausal women should not be screened, but should be evaluated with gastrointestinal endoscopy if diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. The underlying cause should be treated, and oral iron therapy can be initiated to replenish iron stores. Parenteral therapy may be used in patients who cannot tolerate or absorb oral preparations. Clinical recommendation Evidence rating References Measurement of the serum ferritin level is the most accurate test to diagnose iron deficiency anemia. C All pregnant women should be screened for iron deficiency anemia. C All adult men and postmenopausal women with iron deficiency anemia should be screened for gastrointestinal malignancy. C Screening serology for celiac disease should be considered for all adults with iron deficiency anemia. C Age Hemoglobin level (g per dL [g per L]) MCV (μm 3 [fL]) Mean Diagnostic of anemia Mean Diagnostic of microcytosis 3 to 6 months 11.5 (115) 9.5 (95) 91 (91) 74 (74) 6 months to 2 years 12.0 (120) 10.5 (105) 78 (78) 70 (70) 2 to ...