What does tear drop cells in CBC report indicate?

Question

Hello doctor,

I just saw your pin about tear drop cells. I am trying to understand the meaning of this. Recently my four years old son had a CBC and the RBC was abnormal, he has tear drop cells 1+, schistocytes 1+, crenated cells 1+, stomatocytes 1+, schistocytes 1+, macrocytic 1+, microcytic 1+, poikilocytosis 1+, anisocytosis 1+.

Please help me to understand this.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concerns.

The presence of crenated red blood cells, schistocytes, tear-drop cells, and stomatocytes is suggestive of hemolytic anemia. The G6PD deficiency, spherocytosis, and immune hemolytic anemia are some of the causes for that.

Microcytes and macrocytes could be due to anemia. It is called dimorphic anemia, which might be due to iron or B12 deficiency. I suggest you investigate further with a full CBC (complete blood count), reticulocyte count, serum LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase) estimation, and DCT (Direct coombs test) for primary workup. You can consult a nearby pediatrician for a detailed evaluation.

I hope this is clear, and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.

Do follow up whenever needed.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.