In the article, we will consider what it means when the average concentration of Hb in the red blood cell is lowered.
This indicator in blood tests is indicated as MCHC. It indicates how these blood elements are saturated with hemoglobin - a complex iron-containing protein.
Complex protein
Hb is a complex blood protein. It is present in red blood cells - red blood cells. The structure of hemoglobin includes an iron ion, which is surrounded by a protein globin. This natural formation performs many different functions in the human body:
- binds oxygen, transferring it from the lungs to all organs and tissues of the human body;
- transfers carbon dioxide to the lungs;
- contributes to the normalization of the acid-base balance of the blood.
Oxygen is a very important element necessary for the existence of all body cells. Without the help of hemoglobin, this element can in no way come to them from the lungs, so even a slight decrease in its concentration affects vital activity.
MCHC score
In other words, the MCHC is the ratio of hemoglobin to cell volume. It can be calculated using a specific formula that takes into account the level of iron-containing protein and hematocrit. The concentration of hemoglobin in the red blood cell does not depend on the cell volume and does not show the absolute concentration of the iron-containing protein in the red blood cell. Measured in grams per deciliter or in grams per liter.
It often happens that the average concentration of Hb in red blood cells of MCHC is lowered. What this says, we will consider further.
General analysis
To determine the deviation, the patient is assigned a general analysis. Biological fluid is given on an empty stomach in the morning, blood is taken from a finger in the laboratory. An important factor in the accuracy of the analysis indicators is the observance of the rules for preparing for it, for example, refusal of food at least 8 hours before the study. In addition, you can not drink alcohol and other drinks, with the exception of water. Experts get the result using a special hematological analyzer.
Why is the average concentration of Hb in the red blood cell low?
Decreased MCHC - Causes
Low MCHC may indicate a condition such as hypochromia. It is characterized by the fact that red blood cells with hemoglobin are not saturated enough. This condition is due to pathologies in which there is a disruption in the processes of production of iron-containing protein. Hypochromia is also provoked by various types of anemia, lead poisoning, hypovitaminosis, and some congenital diseases of a hereditary nature. In addition, it may be associated with impaired iron metabolism in the body. The average concentration of Hb in the red blood cell may be reduced for the following reasons:
- Hypochromic and sideroblastic iron deficiency anemia.
- Chronic hemorrhagic anemia .
- Hemoglobinopathies, in which hemoglobin synthesis is impaired, certain amino acids are replaced in its chains.
- Violation of water-electrolyte metabolism.
- Megaloblastic anemia, in which red blood cells increase in volume more significantly than the saturation of these elements with an iron-containing protein.
- Thalassemia (some varieties) is a hereditary disease caused by the presence of mutations in genes that are responsible for the formation of an iron-containing protein.
With hemoglobin production abnormalities, MCHC decreases last. Therefore, a decrease in the level of iron-containing protein at normal levels of other blood elements (hemoglobin and red blood cells) indicates the receipt of erroneous laboratory test results.
Is it dangerous when the average concentration of Hb in the erythrocytes of MCHC is reduced, we will analyze further.
MCH function
MCH in the analysis of blood performs the function of an element that stains human blood in red. Due to its specific structure, hemoglobin can bind several elements at once (carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide and oxygen), which are part of the blood, for their subsequent movement to the organs through the circulatory system.
In adults, the average hemoglobin is considered a constant unit, in children, this value fluctuates either downward or upward. But during the lack of preparation for the study (general blood test), the results may show that the average hemoglobin level in the red blood cell is lowered or increased, and this can be considered a false result for an adult patient. Why else can the average concentration of Hb in a red blood cell be lowered?
Other causes of deviation from the norm
Low hemoglobin is the body's natural response to iron deficiency. In addition to the main ones, several more reasons can be identified in connection with which the concentration of Hb in red blood cells is reduced:
- Blood loss (acute or chronic). If the body undergoes a single strong or systematic blood loss, then, as a consequence, the level of hemoglobin in the blood begins to decrease. This can occur with injuries, due to surgery or with some pathologies. Often this condition is observed in women, and the reason for the decrease in hemoglobin concentration can be in polymenorrhea (heavy and long periods). Low hemoglobin is also diagnosed in women who have experienced uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, or an ectopic pregnancy. The reason can also be hidden in regular nosebleeds, internal bleeding, with the development of diseases of the digestive tract, dental pathologies.
- Short life span of red blood cells. This factor is due to the occurrence of autoimmune diseases if the body is exposed to infection, or when the decrease in red blood cells is a hereditary disease.
- Improper nutrition. The reason that the Hb content in the erythrocyte MCH is reduced may be due to a lack of iron from organic products. Trace elements, animal proteins and vitamins in sufficient quantities do not enter the body if the patient refuses to eat meat for a long time. An unbalanced diet leads to a violation of the reproductive system in women and insufficient production of hormones.
- The average content of HB in the red blood cell of MCH is reduced due to intoxication of the body. Anemia can develop during acute poisoning, during the presence of parasites in the body, with frequent stressful situations.
- Blood pathology. The destruction of red blood cells and a decrease in hemoglobin can develop due to blood pathologies, in the presence of malignant tumors and violations of the bone marrow.
- Chronic diseases In infectious diseases (enterocolitis, tuberculosis, hepatitis, pyelonephritis), redistribution of iron occurs in the blood, which provokes a low level of hemoglobin.
- Pregnancy. A decrease in hemoglobin can occur in women during pregnancy, lactation, and postpartum recovery. This is due to the very intensive use of iron in the body, which is necessary to maintain vital functions.
What is fraught with a reduced concentration of Hb in the red blood cell?
Effects
The consequences of low hemoglobin act as the root causes of the development of anemia, due to a lack of iron in the blood. Low hemoglobin causes a decrease in oxygen saturation of the body tissues and exerts a pronounced load on the functioning of all systems and organs. Hemoglobin throughout the body carries carbon dioxide from the lungs and helps to stabilize the acid-base balance in the internal environment.
A decrease in hemoglobin concentration contributes to a deterioration in overall well-being, provokes drowsiness, dizziness, apathy and a decrease in blood pressure. Since hemoglobin is a molecular compound of iron and protein in blood cells, it not only fills the body with oxygen, but is also considered an important biochemical component for many organic reactions. As a result of a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood, oxygen starvation occurs in the human body, which has the following names - “hypoxia”, “anemia”, “anemia”.
The danger of anemia with age
With age, the risk of anemia increases, and the consequences for life and health are exacerbated. First of all, there is a negative effect on the heart and blood vessels. Myocardial ischemia develops, which can be complicated by a heart attack, signs of atherosclerotic diseases appear, blood vessels lose their elasticity, plaques and blood clots form in their lumen. Due to a decrease in hemoglobin, frequent headaches, decreased attention and memory may appear. In severe situations, cerebrovascular accident occurs.
What is the norm of the indicator?
In order to independently understand whether the level of hemoglobin in the body is reduced or not, you need to know what are the normal indicators of this element. This value depends on age, and the norms of iron-containing protein are as follows:
- newborn children - 115-180 g / l;
- 2-6 months - 95-140 g / l;
- 6-12 months - 105-150 g / l;
- 1-12 years old - 105-150 g / l;
- girls 12-18 years old - 112-152 g / l;
- boys 12-18 years old - 120-160 g / l;
- men aged 18-65 years - 130-160 g / l;
- men over 60 years old - 125-165 g / l;
- women in the age range from 18 to 60 - 120-150 g / l;
- women of 60 years and older - 117-138 g / l;
- women during pregnancy - 110-140 g / l.
We examined what it means when the average concentration of Hb in red blood cells is lowered. The causes of the pathology are described in detail.