mikrozytär

Mikrozytär is a hematological term used to describe red blood cells that are smaller than normal, a condition known in English as microcytosis. The hallmark is a reduced mean corpuscular volume (MCV), commonly below 80 femtoliters in adults, often accompanied by hypochromia and a low mean corpuscular hemoglobin. Microcytosis can be found as an isolated finding or as part of a broader anemia.

The most common causes are iron deficiency anemia and β-thalassemia trait. Other etiologies include anemia of chronic disease, sideroblastic anemia, lead poisoning, and certain hepatic or nutritional disorders. Microcytosis results from impaired hemoglobin synthesis and/or red cell maturation, yielding smaller, hemoglobin-poor erythrocytes.

Diagnosis relies on a complete blood count with indices, peripheral blood smear, and targeted laboratory tests. Key investigations include ferritin, iron, total iron-binding capacity, and reticulocyte count; HbA2 electrophoresis or genetic sequencing may help diagnose thalassemia. Iron studies help distinguish iron deficiency from inflammatory or sideroblastic causes.

Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause: iron supplementation for iron deficiency, management of chronic diseases, or specific therapy for thalassemia or sideroblastic anemia. In severe cases or when there is significant symptomatic anemia, transfusion may be necessary. The prognosis depends on the underlying disorder and response to treatment.

Etymology: mikrozytär derives from Greek mikros “small” and kytos “cell,” describing the small red blood cells characteristic of microcytosis. In English-language medicine the term microcytosis or microcytic anemia is more commonly used.