General Information About Microcytic Anemia
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a type of anemia in which blood cells produced in the bone marrow are physically synthesized in much smaller dimensions than normal due to a deficiency in building blocks (iron or globin chains).
The MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) value in a blood test indicates the size of the cell. The normal range is between 80-100 fl. An MCV falling below 80 proves that the cells have shrunken, confirming microcytic anemia.
Worldwide, by far the leading cause is Iron Deficiency Anemia. When iron is deficient due to malnutrition or blood loss (hemorrhage), cells are produced in small sizes because there is insufficient material to fill the cell.
In Thalassemia carriers, blood cells are also genetically produced as microcytic (very small). Misdiagnosing it as iron deficiency can lead to months of futile iron supplementation. Differentiation is achieved through iron and ferritin store tests.
Since the cells are small, they cannot carry adequate oxygen. Chronic fatigue, shortness of breath when climbing stairs, palpitations, dizziness, skin pallor, and sometimes pica (craving to eat soil/ice) are observed.
Following the detection of low MCV and Hemoglobin on a hemogram, blood Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity, and Ferritin (stored iron) levels are evaluated. If the deficiency is iron, it is treated with oral or intravenous iron supplementation lasting several months.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
