Anisocytosis - Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management

What Is Anisocytosis?

Anisocytosis is the medical term for having red blood cells (RBCs) that are not the same size. Aniso means unequal, and cytosis describes cells' motion, characteristics, or quantity. The term is ambiguous because there are numerous reasons why cells can differ in size. It could be either bigger or smaller than usual. Anemia is typically the cause of anisocytosis in women. A person's RBCs should typically all be about the same size. Anemia, a different medical condition, typically causes anisocytosis. Other blood disorders or specific cancer treatment medications could also bring it on.

Anisocytosis is, therefore, frequently useful in diagnosing blood disorders like anemia. The cause of anisocytosis affects the course of treatment. Although the condition is not harmful, it points to a deeper RBC issue. The condition known as anisocytosis occurs when the size of the red blood cells differs.

What Are the Types of Anisocytosis?

The size of the red blood cells affects the different types of anisocytosis.

• Anisocytosis With Microcytosis- This condition happens when RBCs are smaller than normal, usually due to sickle cell anemia or iron deficiency.

• Macrocytosis - It is a common form of anisocytosis that happens when the size of RBCs is larger than usual.

• Normocytic Anemia - It is a condition in which a person has a low RBC count despite having a normal RBC size.

What Causes Anisocytosis?

The most frequent cause of anisocytosis in women is anemia. When a woman has anemia, RBCs cannot carry enough oxygen for the body tissues. Anisocytosis and poikilocytosis are brought on by the irregular RBCs that result from such a protracted condition.

The following anemias frequently cause irregularities in RBC size:

• Aplastic anemia.

• Anemia megaloblastic.

• Lack of iron anemia.

• Chronic anemia.

• Thalassemia.

• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

The following illnesses or bodily conditions can also result in anisocytosis:

• Persistent liver disease.

• Period or pregnancy.

• Thyroid condition.

• Infections or digestive issues.

• A deficiency in iron and vitamin C.

Pregnancy-related anemia is another type of anemia. Pregnant women frequently experience this type in their second and third trimesters. Mild anemia is common in pregnant women, but more serious anemia can affect the unborn child's blood. Anemia in a newborn can result in an early birth, a low birth weight baby, increased blood loss during labor, and a decreased ability to fight infection.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anisocytosis?

The symptoms include the following:

• Tiredness.

• Breathing difficulty.

• Dizziness.

• Headache.

• Cold fingers and feet.

• Chest pain.

• Pale skin.

Along with facial bone deformities, delayed development, and dark urine, people with thalassemia may also experience similar symptoms to those of anemia. Last, a lack of nutrients frequently results in angular cheilitis, characterized by red, swollen patches in either or both corners of the mouth. In turn, anisocytosis is regarded as a sign of numerous blood diseases.

How to Diagnose Anisocytosis?

Blood smears can be used to diagnose anisocytosis. A blood sample is taken and examined under a microscope to determine whether the cells are abnormally shaped or of unequal size.

The smear will examine a variety of factors, such as:

• Amount of red cells.

• The cell volume.

• The concentration of hemoglobin.

• Red blood cell width of red cells

• The average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell.

The test results will determine the person's type of anisocytosis. Smaller than usual red blood cells may indicate sickle cell anemia or low iron levels.

The physician may perform more tests to identify the cause of the red blood cell size variation. Individuals will be questioned about their signs, medical history, prescription drugs, and other supplements. They may order tests for vitamin B12, folate, iron, and ferritin levels. The human body needs these substances to effectively produce and store red blood cells.

At times, liver function tests will be taken since the liver is the organ that absorbs the necessary nutrients required for red blood cell production. A vitamin deficiency or liver disease, among other things, could be why the red blood cells are larger than usual. As anisocytosis may be a symptom of another underlying condition, additional tests may be necessary. These tests will be chosen depending on what the doctor thinks the issue may be.

How to Treat Anisocytosis?

The course of treatment will depend on what caused the anisocytosis. Therefore, finding the issue's root is crucial to getting the right treatment. Anemia is frequently associated with anisocytosis, and a lack of iron or vitamins typically brings on anemia. Therefore, iron supplements and dietary changes to increase iron levels through iron-rich foods are the typical treatments for iron deficiency. As a tablet, ferrous sulfate is the most popular dietary supplement.

Iron-rich foods include leafy, dark green vegetables, brown rice, beans, pulses, nuts and seeds, eggs, fish, meat, and stale food. Vitamin deficiencies can also be treated by taking supplements and altering one's diet. However, frequent blood transfusions are required in severe conditions like thalassemia or sickle cell anemia. Similarly, a bone marrow transplant treats anisocytosis in myelodysplastic syndrome. A physician may advise a blood transfusion in severe cases of anisocytosis. This procedure allows blood with abnormal cells to be replaced with normal cells.

What Are the Complications and Preventions of Anisocytosis?

Anisocytosis, or the underlying cause of it, can result in the following:

• Low levels of platelets and white blood cells.

• Serious congenital disabilities in the developing fetus's spinal cord and brain (neural tube defects).

• Damage to the nervous system.

• Accelerated heart rate.

People can alter their lifestyles to prevent anisocytosis. The most important thing a person can do is assess their diet to ensure they get the recommended amount of vitamins and foods high in iron.

What Is the Prognosis for Anisocytosis?

Anisocytosis has several treatable or reversible causes. Close observation and continuous care are required in some conditions, like cancer, sickle cell disease, and chronic illnesses. These are illnesses linked with anisocytosis.

Anisocytosis may be linked to a poorer prognosis in the following circumstances:

• COVID-19.

• Heart conditions.

• Renal illness.

• Illness of the liver.

• Stroke.

Conclusion

Anisocytosis occurs when the size of the red blood cell (RBC) differs. Irregularities in RBC size compromise the body's ability to distribute oxygen. The most frequent cause of anisocytosis is anemia. Anisocytosis, by itself, poses no danger to life. The underlying issue, though, might be critical. The cause of anisocytosis and how quickly one receives treatment will determine the long-term prognosis. Pregnant women with anisocytosis should take the condition seriously. To prevent anisocytosis, one might make lifestyle adjustments or improvements.