Blood poikilocytosis

Poikilocytosis is a medical term that refers to the presence of abnormalities in the shape of red blood cells (red blood cells), including their irregular shape and size. Poikilocytes can have different shapes and sizes, and they are usually different from normal, biconcave, disc-shaped red blood cells.

Poikilocytosis can be a sign of various conditions and diseases such as anemia, hemolytic anemia (when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are made), vitamin deficiencies, and other disorders of hematopoiesis. The specific cause of poikilocytosis may depend on the patient's medical history and symptoms.

In order to establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment, additional laboratory tests, including blood tests and consultation with a physician, must be performed. Poikilocytosis requires the attention of a medical specialist, as it may indicate the presence of certain diseases and disorders that require treatment.

Causes of the poikilocytosis

Poikilocytosis (variable shape and size of red blood cells) can be caused by a variety of reasons, and it is usually a sign of abnormalities in the formation and function of red blood cells (red blood cells). Some of the main causes of poikilocytosis include:

1. Hemolytic anemias: These anemias are associated with accelerated destruction of red blood cells. In these anemias, red blood cells may become irregularly shaped and less stable. Examples of hemolytic anemias include spherocytosis anemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) anemia.
2. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron, can cause changes in the shape and size of red blood cells.
3. Thalassemias: Thalassemias are a group of inherited diseases that affect hemoglobin synthesis. Patients with thalassemia may have abnormalities in the shape and size of red blood cells.
4. Other hematologic disorders: Various other conditions such as myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative disorders may also cause poikilocytosis.
5. Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, including liver and kidney disease, infections, and certain medication effects, can cause changes in the shape and size of red blood cells.

Additional medical diagnosis and consultation with a hematology or internal medicine specialist is required to determine the exact cause of poikilocytosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Poikilocytosis in a child

It is the presence of abnormally changed red blood cells with different shapes in his blood. This condition can be caused by a variety of reasons. It is important to see a pediatrician or pediatric hematologist to diagnose and find out the underlying disease or disorder that may be causing the poikilocytosis.

Causes of poikilocytosis in children may include:

1. Genetic disorders: Some genetic mutations can lead to abnormalities in the shape and structure of red blood cells.
2. Hemolytic anemias: Red blood cells may become more fragile and change shape in hemolytic anemias such as spherocytosis or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
3. Bone marrow diseases: Some bone marrow diseases can cause changes in the shape of red blood cells.
4. Enzyme deficiency: Some genetic enzyme deficiencies can lead to changes in the shape of red blood cells.
5. Vitamin deficiencies: Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid can affect the condition of red blood cells.

Treatment of poikilocytosis depends on its cause. In most cases, treatment is aimed at managing the underlying disease or disorder that is causing the change in red blood cell shape. Therefore, it is important to have a thorough diagnosis and consultation with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan.

Forms

Depending on the specific changes in the shape of the red blood cells, poikilocytosis can take many forms. Here are some of them:

1. Sperryocytes: Erythrocytes that have an increased number of irregular growths on their surface that resemble spikes or barbs. These growths can cause the red blood cells to become deformed and brittle.
2. Anulated red blood cells: These are ring-shaped red blood cells, which can be caused by various abnormalities of the red blood cell membrane.
3. Eclimocytes: Erythrocytes that have multiple nuclei, which is an abnormality because normally red blood cells do not have a nucleus.
4. Dacryocytes: Erythrocytes with a tear or drop-like shape. They may appear in various disorders of hematopoiesis and anemias.
5. Keltocytes: Erythrocytes that have a button or ring shape.
6. Spherocytes: Erythrocytes with a spherical shape, which may be due to disruption of the erythrocyte membrane and increased fragility.
7. Stomatocytes: Erythrocytes with elongated and narrow pits or incisions on the surface resembling a mouth.
8. Akincites: Erythrocytes that have lost their ability to change shape and remain in the form of round disks.

The form of poikilocytosis can vary depending on the specific disease or condition, and it can be caused by various factors such as genetic disorders, anemias, bone marrow diseases, and others.

Diagnostics of the poikilocytosis

Diagnosis of poikilocytosis includes a number of laboratory and instrumental methods that help to identify the presence of this condition and its cause. Here are some of them:

1. Clinical blood test: Examination of the blood for the presence of poikilocytes and assessment of their number and shape. Poikilocytes are usually detected by microscopic examination of peripheral blood.
2. Blood chemistry: Analyzing hemoglobin, iron, vitamin levels, and other chemical markers can help determine the causes of poikilocytosis, such as iron or vitamin deficiencies.
3. Hematologic studies: Include tests for anemia, thalassemia, or hemolytic anemia that may be the cause of poikilocytosis. These studies may include hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, and hemoglobin electrophoresis analysis.
4. Bone marrow biopsy: This study may be done to rule out or confirm the presence of myelodysplastic syndrome or other bone marrow diseases that may cause poikilocytosis.
5. Additional tests: Depending on the preliminary results and clinical picture, the doctor may prescribe other laboratory and instrumental tests such as spleen function studies, genetic tests and additional tests.

Diagnosis requires a careful physical examination and collaboration with a physician to determine the exact cause and develop a treatment plan.

Treatment of the poikilocytosis

Treatment of poikilocytosis depends on its underlying cause. Before treatment can begin, a diagnosis must be made to identify and find out the source of the condition. Here are some general guidelines for treating poolekilocytosis:

1. Treatment of the underlying condition: If the poikilocytosis is caused by an underlying medical condition such as hemolytic anemia, thalassemia, or vitamin deficiency, the underlying condition should be treated.
2. Supportive therapy: In some cases, medications may be needed to maintain hemoglobin levels and improve the patient's general condition. For example, iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid may be prescribed for anemia.
3. Blood transfusion: In cases with severe anemia or marked poikilocytosis, transfusion of red blood cells may be required to increase hemoglobin levels in the blood.
4. Surgical intervention: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary, such as splenectomy (removal of the spleen) for hemolytic anemia.

Treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a physician who will establish the optimal treatment plan, taking into account the specific characteristics of the patient and the nature of the disease. Self-treatment in the presence of poikilocytosis is not recommended, as its cause may be diverse and require a specific approach.