What disease causes small red blood cells?

If the red blood cells are smaller than normal, this is called microcytic anemia. The major causes of this type are iron deficiency (low level iron) anemia and thalassemia (inherited disorders of hemoglobin).

What does it mean if your red blood cells are small?

Microcytosis is a term used to describe red blood cells that are smaller than normal. Anemia is when you have low numbers of properly functioning red blood cells in your body. In microcytic anemias, your body has fewer red blood cells than normal.

What medical conditions cause hemolysis?

Conditions that may lead to hemolytic anemia include inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia, autoimmune disorders, bone marrow failure, or infections. Some medicines or side effects to blood transfusions may cause hemolytic anemia.

What conditions are associated with Macrocytic anemia?

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• Vitamin B-12 deficiency.
• Folate deficiency.
• Liver disease.
• Alcoholism.
• Hypothyroidism.
• A side effect of certain medications, such as those used to treat cancer, seizures and autoimmune disorders.
• Increased red blood cell production by the bone marrow to correct anemia, for example, after blood loss.

What is the most common cause of microcytic anemia?

The most common causes of microcytosis are iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia trait. Other diagnoses to consider include anemia of chronic disease, lead toxicity, and sideroblastic anemia.

What are three causes of Microcytic anemia?

There are five main causes of microcytic anemia forming the acronym TAILS. Thalassemia, anemia of chronic disease, iron deficiency, lead poisoning and congenital sideroblastic anemia. Only the first three are common in most parts of the world.

Can liver disease cause low red blood cells?

Up to 70\% of cirrhotic patients have reduced hemoglobin levels. The pathogenesis of anemia in cirrhosis is complex and multifactorial, and includes portal hypertension- induced sequestration, alterations in erythropoietin, bone marrow suppression and increased blood loss (eg. Hemorrhage, hemolysis) (1,2).

How serious is macrocytosis without anemia?

Macrocytosis without anemia is unlikely to result in specific signs or symptoms, and in many cases, may have minimal clinical significance. Patients should be screened for symptoms of anemia, including fatigue, generalized weakness, dyspnea, palpitations, lightheadedness, and syncopal or near-syncopal events.