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The causes of increase and decrease in hematocrit

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021
 
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Hematocrit is widely used to assess the severity of anemia, in which it can be reduced to 25-15%; In addition, this indicator serves as a guideline for judging about hemoconcentration shifts and hemodilution. Increase of hematocrit up to 55-65% is characteristic for erythremia, with symptomatic erythrocytosis it increases less significantly - up to 50-55%.

Diseases and conditions accompanied by a change in hematocrit

Hematocrit increased

Hematocrit is reduced

Erythrocytosis:

  • primary (erythremia);
  • caused by hypoxia of various origins;
  • Renal neoplasms accompanied by enhanced erythropoietin formation, polycystosis and renal hydronephrosis

Reduction of the volume of circulating plasma (burn disease, peritonitis, etc.)

Dehydration

Anemia

Increase in the volume of circulating blood:

  •  pregnancy (especially the second half);
  • hyperproteinemia

Hyperhydration

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