The presence of microcytes is frequently correlated to hypochromic anemia. In this case, in addition to microcytosis, the average concentration of hemoglobin (Hb) contained within the red blood cells is lower than normal; the result is a reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen.
However, the causes that can induce the increase of microcytes in the bloodstream are varied and also include iron deficiencies, thalassemia syndromes and chronic inflammatory diseases (such as celiac disease, infections and certain neoplasms).
The presence of microcytes is detected by undergoing a blood test, which assesses, in particular, the mean corpuscular volume of red blood cells (MCV) and other erythrocyte indices.
The management of microcytosis can include the intake of iron and vitamin C-based supplements, diet modification and more or less recurrent blood transfusions. Sometimes, the disorder is transient and does not require any specific therapeutic intervention.
