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A Novel Use of Three-dimensional High-frequency Ultrasonography for Early Pregnancy Characterization in the Mouse
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Erythrocytes morphology in pregnancy.
Jean-François Lesesve1, Claire Franczak1, Julien Perrin1
1Service d'hématologie biologique, CHRU Nancy, France.
Annales De Biologie Clinique
|February 26, 2019
Summary
Red blood cell (RBC) morphology in pregnancy shows minor, clinically insignificant changes. Occasional spherocytes or schistocytes may appear, even without hemolysis.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Obstetrics
- Red Blood Cell Morphology
Background:
- Limited data exists on red blood cell (RBC) morphological anomalies during pregnancy.
- This study investigated RBC shape, color, and content anomalies in healthy pregnant women.
Discussion:
- Minor RBC alterations were observed in healthy pregnant women.
- A slight, regular increase in polychromatophilic RBCs was noted.
- Spherocytes and schistocytes can be found incidentally, not necessarily indicating hemolysis.
Key Insights:
- Pregnancy is associated with subtle, non-pathological changes in RBC morphology.
- The presence of polychromatophilic RBCs is a common finding.
- Absence of hemolysis does not exclude the occasional presence of spherocytes or schistocytes.
Outlook:
- Further research could explore the precise mechanisms behind these minor RBC changes.
- Establishing normative data for RBC morphology in pregnancy is crucial for accurate clinical interpretation.
- Understanding these variations aids in differentiating normal physiological changes from pathological conditions.
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