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Diseases » Anemia, hypochromic microcytic » Causes

Causes of Anemia, hypochromic microcytic

Contents

Anemia, hypochromic microcytic: Introduction
Excerpts from book chapters
Related cause information

Anemia, hypochromic microcytic Causes: Book Excerpts

Microcytic Anemia - pathophysiology - Microcytic Anemia

Related information on causes of Anemia, hypochromic microcytic:

As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Anemia, hypochromic microcytic may be found in:

Hidden causes of Anemia, hypochromic microcytic

Causes of Anemia, hypochromic microcytic: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Anemia, hypochromic microcytic.

Microcytic Anemia: Microcytic Anemia - pathophysiology
(The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult)

Disorders of globin chain synthesis include the thalassemias and hemoglobin E disease.
β-E mutation leads to decreased production of functional β-globin messenger RNA (mRNA).
- In the heterozygous form, there is usually mild microcytosis with minimal or no anemia and no clinical symptoms.
- Homozygous E disease is also asymptomatic, but there is marked microcytosis and a mild anemia (hemoglobin is usually ≥10 g/dL).
Combination of hemoglobin E and β-thalassemia often results in more severe anemia, similar to β-thalassemia intermedia or major.

Microcytic Anemia - etiology

Limited number of causes of microcytic anemia
Hemoglobin molecule is made up of heme and globin components. Disorders of the production of either of these components may result in a microcytic anemia.
- Heme production requires iron and is affected by iron deficiency or inadequate iron utilization as is seen in the anemia of chronic inflammation.
- Inadequate production of porphyrin component can also impair heme synthesis; such disorders are known as sideroblastic anemias. Sideroblastic anemias can be inherited or acquired.
- Disorders of globin production, the thalassemias, also cause microcytosis.

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Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008