Poikilocytosis: what it is, causes and treatment

Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, are the most numerous cells in the blood calledred blood cells. In themthere are certain disordersthat alter in many cases the morphology of these cells and that is what is calledpoikilocytosis.

In the following article we will talk about whatpoikilocytosis is, what are these different forms of erythrocytes, causes and treatments.

What is poikilocytosis?

Poikilocytosis is generally the morphological variability of blood erythrocytes. This term is even applied, when within the same flow there are different forms of erythrocytes. (1)

Note: The morphological changes presented, usually have enough value of interest for the detection and study of the different types of anemia, so the alterations are classified into three main groups for observation and identification, these being: anisocitosis, microcytosisandmacrocytosis.

What are the erythrocyte forms present in poikilocytosis?

There are specific variations, such ashypochromiafor example, which are considered part of theerythrocyte alterationsto understand poikilocytosis. They will be mentioned and described below, allowing their identification and knowledge.

1. Spherocytes

Spherocytes are those globules that have lost the central pallor thatcharacterizes them. They are usually present in hemolytic anemias, whether immune or acquired and acquire a smaller spherical shape, which differentiates them from the biconcave disc morphology that they usually present.

2. Ellipse

Elliptocyte globules have an elongated and symmetrical shape,with a fairly regular outline. They occur when there are congenital defects and iron deficiency anemia.

3. Ovalocytes

Ovalocytes are, as the name implies, oval-shaped red blood cells. They are quite similar to elliptocytes, except that they present paleness in the center, due to a concentration of hemoglobin (hb) at the ends.

To highlight: They occur in different types of anemia such as: iron deficiency, megaloblastic, sideroblastic and myelophthisic anemia. (two)

4. Dacrocytes

Dacryocytes present an abnormal extension at one end, which gives them a tear-like shape. They usually appear in pathologies such as severe anemia, primary myelofibrosis and myeloproliferative neoplasia.

5. Stomatocytes

They are those globules that present a clear center, but a mouth-shaped slittag. In many cases it occurs due to excessive alcohol consumption and obstructive liver diseases.(3)

6. Sickle cells

They have a semilunar shape, because they are long and narrowtag. They contain an abnormal form of hemoglobin (hb), which is deoxygenated, and are characteristic of sickle cell anemia.

7. Codocytes

Elbow cells, contrary to those previously described, Have a too dark center surrounded by a pale halotag. They usually appear in cases of iron deficiency anemia and hemoglobinopathy C.

Important: They are also known as target cells due to their characteristic, target-like appearance. (4)

What causes poikilocytosis?

There are different reasons why the morphology of red blood cells can be modified. They will be mentioned and described below for your consideration and understanding.

1. Hemolytic, sickle cell and iron deficiency anemia

As we previously mentioned, the presence of different types of anemia may be the reason for the change in the shape of red blood cells , since these produce deficiencies, alterations, and changes in the body that are reflected in these blood elements.

2. Liver disorders

Disorders of a hepatic nature, can cause alterations that are manifested by presenting poikilocytosis, due to the susceptibility of the individual.

Note: This association produces variations in the morphologies, or indirectly, deficiencies that produce vulnerability to these characteristic modifications. (5)

3. Myelofibrosis

Myelofibrosis is a malignant hematological pathology, which within its characteristic symptoms presents poikilocytosis due to a slight deformation present in the red blood cells, as well as a slightly more marked coloration than normal.

What is the treatment for poikilocytosis?

Carrying Out Diagnostic Studieswill allow the existence of an adequate treatment for poikilocytosis. Likewise, the treatmentswill always be aimed at pathologies or disorders that lead to the production of morphological abnormalities in blood erythrocytes.

Key Findings

• Poikilocytosis is a disorder that presents morphological changes in Red Blood Cells.
• There are different types of changes in morphology that allow them to be categorized, and therefore, thus identify the possible nature of their presence in the organism.
• The most common causes of poikilocytosis are anemia of different types and abnormalities or liver disorders such as thalassemia, myelofibrosis, among others.
• Variations in size between red blood cells are defined between macrocytosis and microcytosis , thus allowing better identification of the abnormalities present.