This condition is asymptomatic, and is characterized by increased Hb [A.sub.2], red cell
microcytosis, and no significant hemolytic anemia.
Also, anaemia was classified based on only mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH); increased reticulocyte count due to compensatory response to anaemia and/or the preoperative haematinics administered to some patients can spuriously raise the MCV value masking
microcytosis. Confirmatory tests such as ferritin or soluble transferrin receptor measurement for the diagnosis of iron deficiency are not routinely performed at the selected centres.
Hypochromia usually follows
microcytosis. Occasionally, severe hypochromia is associated with macrocytic red cells, termed leptocytes.
The heterozygous and homozygous states for Hb E are benign conditions clinically, but individuals often have red cell
microcytosis and/or hypochromia.
Red cell calcium leak in congenital hemolytic anemia with extreme
microcytosis. Blood.
Comparison of red cell distribution width ad a red cell discriminant function incorporating volume dispersion for distinguishing iron deficiency from beta thalassemia trait in patients with
microcytosis. Sao Paulo Medical Journal.
Laboratory investigations were all within normal range, except for mild
microcytosis. Urine microscopy revealed 5-10 RBC/hpf.
A normal RDW value and
microcytosis suggest thalassemia carier state rather than iron deficiency anemia.
Thus, our results showed that IDA in patients with RA is characterized by RBC
microcytosis and hypochromia, a reduction in serum iron and ferritin levels, and an increase in serum transferrin and erythropoietin concentrations (Table 2).
Molecular genotyping of [alpha]-thalassemia helps to diagnose unexplained
microcytosis and thus prevents unnecessary iron supplementation [18].
The blood smear showed
microcytosis, hypochromia, teardrop cells, and target cells.