Poikilocytosis is the presence of abnormally shaped red blood cells. More specifically, it's defined as having more than 10% of red blood cells exhibiting irregular shapes. This isn't a disease itself, but rather a sign of an underlying medical condition affecting red blood cell production or function.
Causes of Poikilocytosis
Poikilocytosis develops due to various underlying medical conditions that disrupt the normal shape of red blood cells. These include, but are not limited to:
- Anemia: Several types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia, can cause poikilocytosis.
- Liver disease: Liver dysfunction can impact red blood cell production, leading to abnormal shapes.
- Kidney disease: Kidney problems can also affect red blood cell formation and maturation.
- Cancer: Certain cancers can interfere with red blood cell development.
- Inherited blood disorders: Genetic conditions impacting hemoglobin production or red blood cell structure may lead to poikilocytosis. Examples include thalassaemia.
- Alcoholism: Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect red blood cell production.
- Infections: Some infections can contribute to the development of abnormally shaped red blood cells.
Types of Poikilocytes
Several types of abnormally shaped red blood cells exist, including:
- Ovalocytes (elliptocytes): Oval or elliptical shaped red blood cells.
- Dacrocytes (teardrop cells): Teardrop-shaped red blood cells.
- Sickle cells: Crescent or sickle-shaped red blood cells, characteristic of sickle cell anemia.
- Schistocytes: Fragmented red blood cells.
Diagnosing Poikilocytosis
Poikilocytosis is diagnosed through a peripheral blood smear examination, where a blood sample is viewed under a microscope to assess the shape and size of red blood cells. Further tests may be needed to identify the underlying cause.
Treatment
Treatment for poikilocytosis focuses on addressing the underlying medical condition. There is no specific treatment for poikilocytosis itself. Treatment strategies will vary depending on the underlying cause and may involve medication, lifestyle changes, or other interventions.
