Microcytosis means a decrease in the size of erythrocytes (red blood cells or red blood cells), indicated on the blood count by means of the VCM (Mean Corpuscular Volume). In this case, the erythrocytes are called microcytic.
The word "microcytosis" comes from the Greek, where micro means "small", kytos means "cell" and ose it means "increase".
When the decrease in erythrocytes is small, marked in VCM between 80 and 80.9 is called discrete microcytosis. It is possible that in these cases the person does not experience any different symptoms.
Causes of microcytosis
Microcytosis is often seen in cases of anemias caused by iron or vitamin B12 deficiency.
In addition, the condition can also occur in chronic diseases and in thalassemia, which are some conditions of health that interfere with oxygen transport, mainly because of the low amount of protein in the blood.
Some kidney and liver diseases, which are chronic diseases, can also cause a reduction in the size of red blood cells.
Normocytosis, macrocytosis and anisocytosis
These expressions are medical classifications regarding the size of the red blood cells, which can be verified through a blood test (blood count).
When the red blood cells are within the normal size (normocytic), the normocytosis.
THE macrocytosis it is the opposite of microcytosis, that is, it is an increase in the size of erythrocytes (macrocytic). Macrocytosis can also indicate an anemic condition.
already the anisocytosis means the presence of erythrocytes of different sizes. As with microcytosis and macrocytosis, this situation may be linked to the existence of anemia.
Read more about Anemia.
VCM reference values in adults
Laboratory blood analysis of the mean corpuscular volume indicates the reference values that should be used to verify the diameter and condition of the erythrocytes. Are they:
- Normocytosis: 81.
- Microcytosis: less than or equal 81.
- Mild microcytosis: between 80 and 80.9.
- Marked microcytosis: less than 60.
- Macrocytosis: greater than 90.
- Marked macrocytosis: greater than 120.
Learn more about VCM.
What are erythrocytes?
Erythrocytes, also called red blood cells or red blood cells, are responsible for carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. They are formed in the bone marrow and last approximately 120 days in the human body.
Red blood cells are composed of hemoglobin and globulin. Hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen through the blood, while globulin is a protein responsible for making blood clotting.
See also the meanings of anisocytosis and macrocytosis.