What do macrocytes indicate?
Macrocytosis is a condition in which your red blood cells are larger than they should be. While it isn’t a condition of its own, macrocytosis is a sign that you have an underlying health condition and may lead to a severe form of anemia called macrocytic normochromic anemia.
What is macrocytosis associated with?
Etiology. In most cases, the etiology of macrocytosis may be related to abnormal RBC development, abnormal RBC membrane composition, increased reticulocyte count, or a combination of these three factors. Abnormal RBC development may occur in settings such as vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
What causes macrocytosis without anemia?
Macrocytosis is most commonly caused by alcoholism, Vitamin B12 deficiency and medications. Even in the absence of anemia, an increased MCV needs to be evaluated, as it may be the only clue to an underlying pathological condition.
Does B12 deficiency cause macrocytosis?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a cause of macrocytosis. Because DNA synthesis requires cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) as a cofactor, a deficiency of the vitamin leads to decreased DNA synthesis in the erythrocyte, thus resulting in macrocytosis.
How serious is macrocytosis?
How serious is macrocytosis? Macrocytosis is usually mild to moderate but can become severe. It can be due to a manageable cause (such as a vegan diet, which can be treated with supplements)3 or be due to a serious illness, such as liver disease or cancer.
What drugs can cause macrocytosis?
Common drugs that cause macrocytosis are hydroxyurea, methotrexate, zidovudine, azathioprine, antiretroviral agents, valproic acid, and phenytoin (Table 1).
Is macrocytosis a blood disorder?
Macrocytic anemia is a blood disorder that happens when your bone marrow produces abnormally large red blood cells.
How do you treat macrocytosis?
Macrocytosis is often reversible with treatment. Usually taking vitamin B12 or folate supplements or eating foods containing these nutrients can reverse the condition. 2 If it is caused by an underlying condition, such as leukemia, treatment of that illness may resolve macrocytosis, a much less concerning condition.
How is macrocytosis treated?
Management of macrocytosis consists of finding and treating the underlying cause. In the case of vitamin B-12 or folate deficiency, treatment may include diet modification and dietary supplements or injections. If the underlying cause is resulting in severe anemia, you might need a blood transfusion.
Is macrocytosis life threatening?
These abnormal blood cells lack nutrients red blood cells need to function normally. There are two types of macrocytic anemias. They develop when your body lacks certain nutrients. Macrocytic anemia isn’t a serious illness but it can cause serious medical issues if left untreated.