Have you ever gotten your blood test results and seen some words on them and got a little nervous, thinking, 'What does this mean?'? Sometimes it's normal to get a little scared when we see an unfamiliar word. One such word is 'Anisocytosis.' While you might think it's a serious condition, it actually means that the red blood cells in your blood are different sizes, meaning some are larger and some are smaller.
What exactly is 'Anisocytosis'?
Simply put, 'anisocytosis' is the medical term for when your red blood cells are not all the same size, but are different sizes. Sometimes, this variation in the size of your red blood cells can be a sign of an underlying health problem. You may only find out about this condition when you have a blood test.
To understand the meaning of the word 'anisocytosis' in a simpler way, let's break it down, shall we?
- Aniso means 'uneven' or 'not the same'.
- Cytosis is something related to cells (in this case, specifically red blood cells).
Then when the two are combined, it makes sense that it means 'uneven cells', right?
Normally, a healthy person's red blood cells should all be the same size and shape (like a small round disk). A red blood cell has this specific shape and size for a reason. It is because of this that it can do its main job, which is to carry oxygen to the cells throughout our body. This oxygen is what gives our organs the energy they need to function.
So, if your red blood cells have this kind of variation in size (anisocytosis), it means that they may not be able to carry oxygen properly. This can lead to conditions like anemia . Sometimes, the red blood cells may also have irregularities in their shape, which is called 'poikilocytosis.'
What are the changes in red blood cell size?
If you have anisocytosis, your red blood cells may be smaller or larger than normal red blood cells.
- Macrocytosis means that your red blood cells are larger than normal.
- Microcytosis means that your red blood cells are smaller than normal.
Sometimes, there may be a mixture of both large and small cells.
The important thing is that these words (Macrocytosis, Microcytosis) are only descriptive. Anisocytosis may or may not be a sign of a medical condition that requires treatment. So don't be alarmed when you hear this name.
What are the symptoms of Anisocytosis?
Now you may be thinking, 'Okay, what happens when the size of my red blood cells changes? What symptoms will I experience?' Often, the symptoms of this condition are similar to those of anemia. They include:
- Weakness or feeling tired all the time.
- Difficulty breathing (like wheezing) (Dyspnea).
- Fast or irregular heartbeat (Arrhythmia).
- Sometimes hearing a "ringing" sound in the ear (Pulsatile tinnitus).
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Pale skin.
- Chest pain.
If you have one or more of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice.
What are the causes of Anisocytosis?
Anisocytosis is often a sign of anemia. There are many different causes of anemia. Anisocytosis can also be caused by other medical conditions that are not related to anemia.
Types of anemia that may be associated with anisocytosis:
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Megaloblastic anemia
- Pernicious anemia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Sideroblastic anemia
It is common to develop anemia during pregnancy . Your blood test may show anisocytosis. This is because your body needs iron to make red blood cells. Both you and your baby need a lot of iron, so it can sometimes be difficult to get enough from food alone. Your doctor may recommend a diet or iron supplements for you.
Other conditions that may be associated with Anisocytosis:
- Colon cancer
- Heart disease
- Hereditary spherocytosis
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Myelodysplastic syndrome
- Myelofibrosis
- Thyroid disease
- Thalassemia
Additionally, blood test results may show anisocytosis after a blood transfusion . This condition can also be caused by certain medications .
Can Anisocytosis cause complications?
If the underlying condition causing anisocytosis is not treated, some complications can occur. For example, some types of anemia can cause organ damage . If anemia is not treated in young children, their growth may be delayed .
Although mild anemia is common during pregnancy, severe anemia can lead to problems such as premature birth if left untreated.
Once your doctor identifies the cause of your red blood cell size change, they will prescribe the necessary treatment to prevent complications.
How is Anisocytosis diagnosed?
Doctors may use one or both of these tests to diagnose anisocytosis:
- Complete blood count (CBC) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW):
A complete blood count (CBC) is a routine blood test that doctors do to check your blood cells. It looks at a special value called the RDW value. This measures how many different sizes your red blood cells have. Normally, this RDW value should be between 12% and 15%. Anything higher than that means that there is more variation in the size of your red blood cells than normal.
- Peripheral blood smear (PBS):
In this test (PBS), a lab technician smears a sample of your blood on a glass slide and looks at it under a microscope. This allows them to clearly see the size differences in the red blood cells and detect 'anisocytosis'.
Additional tests to find the cause of anisocytosis
Your doctor may do more tests to find out exactly what's causing your red blood cell count to change. He or she will ask you about your symptoms, any medications or supplements you take, and any medical conditions in your family. He or she may also ask about your diet.
They may check these things:
- Vitamin B12 and folate levels: These nutrients are essential for the body to make healthy red blood cells.
- Iron levels: Iron is also needed to produce healthy red blood cells.
- Ferritin levels: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron.
- Liver function: The liver absorbs the nutrients needed to make healthy red blood cells.
If necessary, the doctor may also perform further tests.
How is Anisocytosis treated?
How to treat this depends on the cause of the change in red blood cell size. Treatment options include :
- If the cause is a nutritional deficiency, consider giving vitamin B12 and folate supplements .
- Blood transfusions for some hereditary conditions, such as sickle cell disease.
- If there is a problem with red blood cell production, a bone marrow transplant may be necessary . Our body's red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. This treatment may be necessary if anisocytosis is caused by conditions such as myelodysplastic syndromes or certain types of cancer.
What is the outlook for the condition 'Anisocytosis'?
Most of the time, the causes of anisocytosis can be cured or controlled with treatment. However, some conditions, such as cancer, and long-term conditions, such as sickle cell disease, require ongoing treatment and careful follow-up .
Some studies have shown that anisocytosis may be a precursor to the severity of certain diseases. Diseases that may be exacerbated by anisocytosis include:
- Covid-19 (COVID-19)
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Stroke
More research is needed to understand exactly the relationship between these abnormal red blood cell sizes and the severity of the disease.
Can Anisocytosis be prevented?
We cannot prevent everything that causes this.
However, by getting the right nutrients into your diet, you can reduce your risk of developing some of the conditions associated with anisocytosis, especially:
- Vitamin B12: Found in some dairy products and meats. Some cereals also have vitamin B12 added to them.
- Folate: Found in some fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Folate is also added to some cereals.
- Iron: Found in some meats, beans, and vegetables. Some breads and cereals also have iron added.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have symptoms of anemia, such as feeling tired all the time, having trouble breathing, or pale skin, be sure to see a doctor. Also, don't skip your annual blood tests, as they can help identify any hidden health problems early.
In summary (Take-Home Message)
Don't be alarmed when you hear the word 'anisocytosis'. It's not a serious diagnosis. It just means that your red blood cells have a variation in size. There can be many reasons why your red blood cell size can vary. Work with your doctor to find out what's causing it. If 'anisocytosis' is a sign of a medical condition, your doctor will recommend treatments that can help you. The most important thing is not to panic and follow your doctor's instructions.
` Anisocytosis, Red Blood Cells, Anemia, Blood Tests, RDW, Anisocytosis, Symptoms
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