Macrocytosis is the presence of abnormally large red blood cells (macrocytes) in the blood. Macrocytosis is one of the symptoms of certain types of anemia (macrocytic anemias), including those caused by insufficient levels of vitamin B12 or folic acid in the human body, as well as those in which there is an increase in the rate of formation of red blood cells.
Macrocytosis indicates a disruption in the maturation of red blood cells in the bone marrow. The reasons for its development can be very different. Most often, macrocytosis develops with a deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid, which are necessary for normal hematopoiesis. Other possible reasons include:
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Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism;
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Taking certain medications;
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Alcoholism;
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Oncological blood diseases;
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Genetic disorders.
Diagnosis of macrocytosis includes general and biochemical blood tests, as well as studies of vitamin and hormone levels. To identify the cause, additional tests and consultations with specialists are prescribed. Treatment of macrocytosis consists of eliminating the underlying disease or vitamin deficiency. With timely treatment, the prognosis is usually favorable.
Macrocytes are large red blood cells. With a macrocytic increase in the number of red blood cells, there is no reaction of the body to these changes. The disease is diagnosed when transferrin concentration decreases. Since a deficiency of this protein leads to incomplete saturation of red blood cells with hemoglobin, their decrease occurs. With a lack of iron, signs of iron deficiency anemia occur - pale skin and mucous membranes, dizziness, weakness, brittle, dry hair and nails. In bone marrow, there is a compensatory oversaturation of blood cells—erythropoietic—with iron.
**Macrocytes** refer to macrocytic anemias (otherwise known as hyperplatelet anemia). The main reason for the development of iron deficiency is its lack. Macrocytes are characterized by the presence of fairly large erythrocytes. The size of red blood cells increases both due to the innate feature of the erythroid lineage in the bone marrow and due to an increase in the amount of iron entering the bone marrow. This condition may be accompanied by a change in the size of other cells (for example, white blood cells), an enlargement of the spleen and liver, and a slowdown in the functioning of the entire body. General iron deficiency (not just iron deficiency anemia) is one of the most common causes of the development of this condition. At the same time, the lack of iron is not compensated by a large supply of this element from other sources - food or, for example, chemicals that cause poisoning. This is important to consider in order to make a correct diagnosis.
Macrocytosis: Symptoms, causes and treatment
Macrocytosis is a condition characterized by the presence of abnormally large red blood cells, known as macrocytes, in the blood. This phenomenon is one of the symptoms of certain types of anemias known as macrocytic anemias. In such cases, macrocytosis may be caused by a lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid in the human body, as well as an increased rate of red blood cell production.
Red blood cells are red blood cells that are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Normally, red blood cells have a standard size and shape, but with macrocytosis they become unusually large. The diagnosis of macrocytosis is established when more than 10% of macrocytes are detected in the patient’s blood.
Symptoms of macrocytosis may vary depending on the underlying disease that led to the condition. However, some common signs of macrocytic anemia include:
- Paleness of the skin and mucous membranes.
- General weakness and fatigue.
- Difficulty breathing and palpitations during exercise.
- Dizziness and increased irritability.
- Loss of appetite and involuntary weight loss.
The occurrence of these symptoms requires medical consultation to establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the cause of macrocytosis.
One of the main causes of macrocytosis is a deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the normal formation of red blood cells, and its deficiency can lead to disruption of the process of cell division in the bone marrow, where red blood cells are formed.
Another cause of macrocytosis may be an increased rate of red cell production. This can occur with diseases such as myelodysplastic syndrome, aplastic anemia, or hemolytic anemia.
Treatment for macrocytosis depends directly on its cause. If vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency is a major factor, patients may be prescribed appropriate supplements or dietary changes. In more complex cases, where macrocytosis is caused by an underlying disease, specific treatment for that disease may be required.
It is important to note that self-medication is not recommended, and any changes in diet or medication should be discussed with your doctor.
In conclusion, macrocytosis is a condition in which abnormally large red blood cells are present in the blood. It can be a symptom of various types of macrocytic anemias caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid, as well as an increased rate of red blood cell production. Symptoms of macrocytosis can be varied and require consultation with a doctor to establish an accurate diagnosis. Treatment for macrocytosis depends on its cause and may include taking extra vitamins, changing your diet, or specific treatments for the underlying condition. It is important to see a doctor to get the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Macrocytes, also known as macrocytosis, are large blood formations. Red blood cells in the macrocytic state are quite large. About the latter, it is worth saying that they are blood cells, which differ from others, the main function of which is the transportation of gases. If the size of these substances increases, red blood cells cease to fully perform their main task. And this threatens the development of many serious diseases.
As a result, the main pathophysiological sign of the disease becomes a violation of the oxygenation of hemoglobin, which precisely performs the respiratory function. The result of this is suffocation, compression of internal organs and a general lack of oxygen for the body as a whole. Macrocytes can be detected almost instantly in a blood test. To do this, just look at the results in the table. The former are a reason to consult a doctor and identify the causes of this condition. The causes of macrocytes can vary. This may be impaired functioning of the spleen, liver, lymphatic system, or a delay in the synthesis of the necessary protein. All these processes are very important for the full functioning of the body. It happens that this symptom occurs due to damage to the mucous membranes, a violation of the normal integrity of the integument. The causes of this condition also include some diseases, for example, cancer