Red blood cell (RBC) shapes and sizes offer clues to health! Normal RBCs are round and disc-shaped, but abnormal shapes like sickle or teardrop forms can indicate underlying conditions like anemia. Let’s explore what these variations mean!
Red Blood Cells
Drug-Induced Immune Hemolytic Anemia (DIIHA)
Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA) challenges diagnostic workup due to diverse mechanisms (hapten model most common). Consider DIIHA in hemolytic anemia with recent medication initiation & positive DAT.
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)
AIHA: When your own immune system attacks healthy red blood cells, causing anemia. Treatment aims to suppress this immune response
Sideroblastic Anemia
Sideroblastic anemia disrupts iron use in red blood cells. Caused by genetic mutations or factors like alcohol abuse, it’s diagnosed by analyzing bone marrow for ring sideroblasts, iron-laden structures.
Differential Diagnosis of Macrocytic Anemias
Macrocytosis, larger-than-normal red blood cells, can be a sign of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, liver disease, or bone marrow issues. Early diagnosis is key for targeted treatment.
Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Hereditary hemochromatosis, an inherited disorder, disrupts iron absorption leading to excessive iron buildup in organs like the liver, heart, and pancreas. Early diagnosis through blood tests is crucial to prevent potential complications like cirrhosis, heart failure, and diabetes. Treatment focuses on iron reduction through phlebotomy and may prevent severe health consequences.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
G6PD deficiency is a common inherited blood disorder that can cause your red blood cells to break down when exposed to certain foods, drugs, or infections.
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is a blood disorder that causes red blood cells to be sickle-shaped and less flexible. This can lead to blockages in blood vessels, pain, and organ damage.
Perls’ Prussian Blue Staining
Perls’ Prussian blue stain helps in identifying presence of iron stores in the bone marrow aspirate smear.
Leishman Stain
Leishman stain is used commonly for the identification of different cells present in the peripheral blood smear. It has acidic and basic properties.
Megaloblastic Anemia
Megaloblastic anemia is a type of anemia caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folate.
Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common blood disorder caused by a lack of iron. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. IDA causes symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
