Macrocytes can be found in small numbers even in normal conditions in the bloodstream, especially in newborns. However, a marked increase in these elements is indicative of some pathological processes, such as, for example, pernicious anemia and liver diseases.
The presence of macrocytes is detected through a blood test, which assesses, in particular, the mean corpuscular volume of red blood cells (MCV) and other erythrocyte indices.
The treatment of macrocytosis depends on the cause: if it is related to a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid, for example, it is indicated simply the intake of supplements based on these elements and the correction of the diet.
responsible for the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. In order to perform their function in the best possible way, the erythrocytes must have the shape of a biconcave disc, with a flattened nucleus and adequate dimensions.
When they are larger than normal, erythrocytes are referred to as macrocytes (or megalocytes).
In detail, based on the size of the erythrocytes it is possible to distinguish:
- NORMOCYTOSIS: red blood cells are of normal size, ie they have a diameter of 7-8 micrometers (µm);
- MICROCYTOSIS: it is characterized by microcytic erythrocytes, that is, smaller than the norm;
- MACROCYTOSIS: it is the opposite condition to microcytosis, in which the erythrocytes have a diameter greater than normal, between 9-12 µm. Megalocytes are red blood cells even larger than macrocytes (diameter greater than 14 µm).
The physical characteristics of red blood cells are defined by the erythrocyte indices. In the context of laboratory analyzes, the most useful haematochemical parameter to establish whether red blood cells are normal, too large or too small, is the mean corpuscular volume (MCV).
By definition, macrocytosis exists when the mean cell volume (MCV) is greater than 95 femtoliters.
