Microcytosis

The term Mikrozyt ( micros, Greek for small, low ') is used in medicine for abnormally small red blood cells ( erythrocytes). Microcytosis is the technical term for the occurrence of reduced red blood cells in the blood picture. In the mean corpuscular volume is Microcytosis (MCV) to less than 80 femtoliters (fl) decreased ( normal value for adult 80-96 FL). N If an anemia is, one speaks of a microcytic anemia.

The most common cause of microcytosis is iron deficiency, but it is also observed in copper and vitamin B6 deficiency. In addition, inherited forms are known, such as β - thalassemia trait, a form of the Mediterranean anemia. Even with a portosystemic shunt and a sodium deficiency can occur a microcytosis. In some Asian breeds ( Akita Inu, Chow Chow, Shar -Pei, Shiba Inu ) a microcytosis is physiological.