Microcytosis: what it is, causes and treatment

What is microcytosis?

Microcytosis, like poikilocytosis,macrocytosis and anisocytosis, is defined as a morphological picture, hereditary or acquired in which there is a production of erythrocytes with a diameter of less than 7 μm (micrometers). It is also usually directly related to an iron deficiency or alteration in the production of hemoglobin in our body. (1)

As mentioned above,microcytosis can be hereditary or acquired, producing a relevant difference only in the nature of the production of this erythrocyte malformation.

Important: Hereditary microcytosis is linked to hemoglobin, while acquired microcytosis to iron deficiency.

What are the causes of microcytosis?

There aredifferent motives within the breadth of its nature, whether acquired or hereditary. They will be mentioned and described below for their understanding and recognition:

1. Alterations in hemoglobin synthesis

The alteration of the synthesis of hemoglobin is the cause of not only microcytosis but also the conclusion in microcytic anemias. The lack of iron is the one that leads to the alteration of the synthesis, presenting an increased risk in the childhood stage due to the demand that exists for the growth process.

2. Iron deficiency and sideroblastic anemia

Iron deficiency produces anemias such as hypochromic and Non-Regenerative Anemia (that is, it does not increase the loss of erythrocytes), which leads to deficiency in the synthesis of hemoglobin in the body.

To highlight: Usually this iron deficiency and sideroblastic decrease comes from significant blood loss such as a hemorrhage. (two)

This type of reason for the appearance of microcytosis is of an acquired nature, and in many cases the trigger may be the growth processwhen there is an increase in iron values in the body.

3. Infections

An infection, depending on its level of severity, can cause the production of microcytic red blood cells , from the changes produced by infectious agents in our body’s immune system.

4. Hereditary spherocytosis

Spherocytosis is a hemolytic anemia with the presence of microspherocytes . It is hereditary and characterized by having the erythrocyte morphology present within its pathology or disease.

Note: It is motivated by alterations in the erythrocyte membrane protein , also increasing globular fragility, altering the integrity and correct functioning of the erythrocyte. (3)

5. Lead poisoning

The principle of the appearance of microcytosis due to lead poisoning is due to the fact that lead is a divalent cation that interferes with the absorption of iron and for this reason, iron deficiency occurs , which triggers more side effects in the body.

What are the symptoms of microcytosis?

Microcytosis has a list of certain symptoms, which occur in the individual in the presence of this morphology. They will be mentioned and described below for your recognition and understanding:

1. Fatigue and muscle weakness

Due to the very possible parallel presence of microcytic anemia , fatigue and muscle weaknessstand out among its main symptoms . There is a feeling of tiredness, quite repetitive and even a feeling of fainting at times.

2. Headache, dizziness and lightheadedness

The presence of headaches, dizziness and lightheadedness is due to the immune system’s reactionto the presence of these strange morphologies. In many cases it is affected, mostly depending on the nature of the reason for the appearance of microcytosis.

3. Loss of appetite and weight loss

Weight loss goes hand in hand with loss of appetite. A sudden loss of appetiteis one of the symptoms that allows individuals to be identified and alarmed to go before the presence of a medical professional.

Important: Microcytosis is evaluated from the mean corpuscular volume (vcm) which identifies the average size of the blood cells.

4. Changes in the nails

The appearance of brittle nails and even hair loss are also counted as common symptoms in anemia, and also in the alteration of erythrocytes, such as microcytosis.

5. Jaundice

Jaundice is ayellowish discoloration that occurs on the skin and mucous membranes, which occurs moderately and is usually a characteristic symptom when microcytosis is a consequence of hereditary spherocytosis.

How is the treatment for microcytosis?

There arecertain treatments available to improve the quality of lifeand stability of the patient when presenting microcytosis. They will be mentioned and described below:

1. Increase iron and vitamin C intake

As we have been identifying throughout the article, one of the main characteristics of microcytosis is iron deficiency in the body , a mineral that is extremely important for the proper development of both body functions and the immune system.

should be increased, to counteract in this way the needs for a correct development and optimal development.

2. Blood transfusions if necessary

If necessary, especially in the presence of significant blood loss,a blood transfusion is necessary to recover the lost values and restore stability and balance to the body.

Key Findings

• Microcytosis is a pathology or disease that produces a malformation in erythrocytes, decreasing their size and leading to deficiencies in the body of iron and hemoglobin.
• Microcytosis can occur for hereditary reasons or be acquired as a consequence of various pathologies.
• It produces a lot of fatigue, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, hair loss and even jaundice.
• It is prone to develop during the childhood period due to the increased demand for iron in the body by the growth process.
• The decrease in hemoglobin valuesthat usually occur for hereditary microcytosis are recognized asthalassemia. It is precisely what produces the constant feeling of fatigue in the symptoms of microcytosis