Microcytosis
Encyclopedia
Microcytosis is a condition where red blood cells are unusually small when their mean corpuscular volume
is measured.
It is also known as "microcythemia".
When associated with anemia
, it is known as microcytic anemia
.
Microcytic anemia is not caused by reduced DNA synthesis (source).
Thalassemia
can cause microcytosis. Depending upon how the terms are being defined, thalassemia can be considered a cause of microcytic anemia, or it can be considered a cause of microcytosis but not a cause of microcytic anemia.
Mean corpuscular volume
The mean corpuscular volume, or "mean cell volume" , is a measure of the average red blood cell size that is reported as part of a standard complete blood count....
is measured.
It is also known as "microcythemia".
When associated with anemia
Anemia
Anemia is a decrease in number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. However, it can include decreased oxygen-binding ability of each hemoglobin molecule due to deformity or lack in numerical development as in some other types of hemoglobin...
, it is known as microcytic anemia
Microcytic anemia
Microcytic anemia is a generic term for any type of anemia characterized by small red blood cells. The normal mean corpuscular volume is 76-100 fL, with smaller cells as macrocytic....
.
Microcytic anemia is not caused by reduced DNA synthesis (source).
Thalassemia
Thalassemia
Thalassemia is an inherited autosomal recessive blood disease that originated in the Mediterranean region. In thalassemia the genetic defect, which could be either mutation or deletion, results in reduced rate of synthesis or no synthesis of one of the globin chains that make up hemoglobin...
can cause microcytosis. Depending upon how the terms are being defined, thalassemia can be considered a cause of microcytic anemia, or it can be considered a cause of microcytosis but not a cause of microcytic anemia.