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Disorders of Erythrocytes

Disorders of Erythrocytes

Disorders of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), include a range of conditions affecting their number, shape, or function.
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...

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Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis

The cardiovascular system regulates the number of erythrocytes in the bloodstream to ensure optimal oxygen transport. It also prevents over-proliferation of these cells, which helps to maintain blood viscosity and flow rate.
Several factors influence the erythrocyte production rate, with tissue oxygen level being among the most critical. Intense exercise or high altitudes can cause tissue hypoxia, which triggers the kidneys to release more erythropoietin (EPO) into the bloodstream.
EPO then...

Erythropoiesis

Erythropoiesis

Red blood cells (RBCs) transport oxygen to all body tissues. These cells survive only for 120 days and then need to be replenished. Erythropoiesis is the process of RBC production. In healthy individuals, erythropoiesis ensures all tissues are amply supplied with oxygen. In addition, blood loss due to injury leads to a drop in the physiological oxygen level that will cause erythropoiesis. Any defect in erythropoiesis leads to several physiological disorders, including thalassemia, anemia, and...

Erythropoiesis

Erythropoiesis

Red blood cells (RBCs) transport oxygen to all body tissues. These cells survive only for 120 days and then need to be replenished. Erythropoiesis is the process of RBC production. In healthy individuals, erythropoiesis ensures all tissues are amply supplied with oxygen. In addition, blood loss due to injury leads to a drop in the physiological oxygen level that will cause erythropoiesis. Any defect in erythropoiesis leads to several physiological disorders, including thalassemia, anemia, and...

Lifecycle of Erythrocytes

Lifecycle of Erythrocytes

Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, constantly move through blood capillaries. As a result, they damage their plasma membrane due to the continuous friction. Typically, after 100 to 120 days, erythrocytes become rigid and fragile as they wear out. As they pass through small vessels in the spleen and liver, they can get trapped and break apart into fragments.
The resident phagocytic macrophages deal with these damaged cells by engulfing them and separating their globin and heme groups.

Hematopoiesis

Hematopoiesis

The process of blood cell formation is called hematopoiesis. Hematopoiesis starts early during development, on the seventh day of embryogenesis. This phase of hematopoiesis is called the primitive wave, wherein the extraembryonic yolk sac allows the production of erythroid cells and endothelial cells from a common precursor called hemangioblast. The erythroid cells provide oxygen to support the growth of the rapidly dividing embryo. Hemangioblasts later develop into hematopoietic stem cells or...

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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level

A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level

Published on: January 19, 2024

Megaloblastic anemia: back in focus.

Jagdish Chandra¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, New Delhi, India. jchandra55@gmail.com

Indian Journal of Pediatrics

|July 1, 2010

Summary

Megaloblastic anemia (MA) incidence is rising, often caused by vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency is now more common, leading to anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.

Area of Science:

Hematology
Nutritional Science
Internal Medicine

Background:

Megaloblastic anemia (MA) is frequently caused by vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, particularly in developing nations.
The incidence of MA has notably increased over the past 2-3 decades.
While folic acid deficiency was once the primary cause, vitamin B12 deficiency is now more prevalent.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the increasing incidence and evolving causes of megaloblastic anemia.
To highlight associated clinical features beyond anemia, including hematological and neurological manifestations.
To discuss potential factors contributing to the rising prevalence of MA.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature and clinical observations on megaloblastic anemia.

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Analysis of trends in the causative deficiencies (vitamin B12 vs. folic acid).

Examination of associated clinical presentations such as neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia.

Main Results:

Megaloblastic anemia is an increasingly common cause of pancytopenia.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is now a more frequent cause of MA than folic acid deficiency.
Associated findings include neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, neurocognitive dysfunction, and hyperhomocysteinemia.

Conclusions:

The rising incidence of megaloblastic anemia warrants attention, with a shift towards vitamin B12 deficiency as the predominant cause.
Clinical presentation can extend beyond anemia to include other cytopenias and neurological symptoms.
Further research into the causes of increasing MA incidence and comprehensive management strategies is needed.