Macrocytosis is a term that can appear in the blood formula count report that red blood cells are larger than normal and that macrocytic red blood cells may also be indicated on the test. Macrocytosis is evaluated using the Medium Corpuscular Volume (CMV), which indicates the average size of red blood cells, with a reference value between 80.0 and 100.0 fL, however this value may vary by laboratory.
Therefore, macrocytosis is considered when the CMV is greater than 100.0 fL. For macrocytosis to be clinically relevant, it is important that CMV is evaluated with other signals in the blood formula, such as the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, RDW, which evaluates variation in red blood cell size, average corpuscular hemoglobin (HCM), and concentration. corpuscular hemoglobin (CHCM).
- Increasing the size of red blood cells is more common in the elderly.
- As it is common for there to be a decrease in the amount of oxygen available.
- And it is necessary to increase the absorption of this gas to transport it to the body.
- Resulting in an increase in red blood cells.
However, macrocytosis can occur at any age and is primarily related to nutritional changes, but it may also be a consequence of other health conditions such as alcoholism or bone marrow changes.
Thus, the main causes of macrocytosis are
Decreased vitamin B12 in the body is one of the main causes of macrocytosis and can occur from the change in the process of absorption of this vitamin in the gut or by the decrease in the amount of vitamin B12 consumed throughout the day.
In addition to macrocytosis, it is common for people with vitamin deficiency to have anemia, also called pernicious anemia, and for this reason, it is common to develop symptoms such as weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath. Learn how to identify symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
What to do: It is important that in addition to the complete blood formula, the dose of vitamin B12 is established as it is possible to confirm the diagnosis and start the most appropriate treatment, which may include changes in the diet or the use of supplements according to the recommendations of the doctor or doctor. Nutritionist.
Folate deficiency, also known as folic acid or vitamin B9, is also a major cause of macrocytosis and can occur due to a decrease in intake of this vitamin or due to an inflammatory bowel disease or increased demand for this vitamin, if any. during pregnancy, for example.
In addition to macrocytosis, in this case, it is also possible to observe in the blood image the presence of changes in red blood cells, the presence of hyperseglyped neutrophils and variation in the shape of red blood cells, known as poiquilocytosis. Understand what poiquilocytosis is.
What to do: After identifying the cause of folate deficiency, the most appropriate treatment is indicated and an increase in vitamin use or supplement use may be recommended. In case a folate deficiency is related to intestinal changes, your doctor may recommend treating the disease, as it is also possible to regulate folic acid levels in the body.
Frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages can lead to a gradual decrease in folic acid, which can promote the development of larger red blood cells as well as induce other biochemical changes.
What to do: It is recommended to reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages, as it is possible to promote the proper functioning of the body. However, in some cases, chronic consumption of alcoholic beverages can lead to liver disorders, mainly, and in these cases it is recommended to change eating and life habits and perform treatment as recommended by the doctor.
The bone marrow is responsible for the production of blood cells and can produce larger red blood cells due to changes in their functioning, as a result of leukemia or simply in response to anemia, for example.
What to do: In this case, if other changes in blood tests are checked, your doctor may recommend a myelogram or bone marrow biopsy to identify the cause of the changes to start the most appropriate treatment. .