Microcytic Anemia: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Microcytic anemia is any type of anemia due to small red blood cells (erythrocytes). Normal erythrocytes have an average volume of 76 to 100 femtoliters (10^-15 liters), and erythrocytes are considered to be microcytic if they have a volume less than 76 fl. Microcytic erythrocytes contain less than the average amount of hemoglobin in most cases, resulting in a lower hemoglobin count. Anemia is generally defined as a hemoglobin count of about 12 grams per deciliter (mg/dl). The primary treatment for microcytic anemia is iron supplements.

Instructions

• 1

  Investigate the cause of microcytic anemia while beginning iron therapy. Microcytic anemia is typically caused by a deficiency of dietary iron, but it also has other causes such as congenital defects or chronic diseases.

• 2

  Administer iron supplements. Physicians typically provide iron supplements orally but may also administer intravenous iron.

• 3

  Provide iron supplements in the form of iron salts. These include ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate and ferrous sulfate. Saccharated iron is also a common iron supplement.

• 4

  Take the proper dosage of iron supplement. A typical dose is 325 mg of ferrous sulfate 30 minutes before a meal once or twice per day. Food and antacid can reduce absorption, while ascorbic acid (500 mg) can facilitate iron absorption.

• 5

  Measure the hemoglobin level regularly. The hemoglobin level should not increase significantly for the first two weeks, but it should rise by as much as 1 g/dl per week until it reaches near a near normal level. Anemia due to a dietary deficiency should be corrected within two months.