The detection of normoblasts in a general blood test is a sign that a pathological process is present in the body. But, unfortunately, most people do not even have a clue about what normoblasts are and what is the risk of exceeding their norm.
What are normoblasts?
Normoblasts are blood cells that occur at the initial stage of erythrocyte formation. Their main difference with mature red blood cells is the presence of a nucleus. But during the growth of normoblasts, an increase in the number of hemoglobin is observed, which contributes to the loss of the nucleus. After completion of the growth of the presented elements, they are transformed into ordinary red blood cells.
Stages of transition of normoblasts to red blood cells
It will take a little time for the described blood cells to convert to red blood cells. Initially, the development of basophilic erythroblast, in the central part of which the nucleus is present, is observed. It is characterized by the presence of a round shape and a size equal to 18 microns.
These cells have a rich blue color. Subsequently, polychromatophilic erythroblasts having smaller sizes than those of basophilic ones are formed from them. These cells are characterized by the presence of a wheeled chromatin type, and the cytoplasm acquires a pink-blue color.
Subsequently, the conversion of the present erythroblast to an oxyphilic form occurs. Such cells are characterized by the presence of a fuzzy nucleus of violet color. The cell becomes even smaller and more closely resembles a red blood cell.
Over time, the cell nucleus transforms into a pycnotic, and the cytoplasm becomes light blue. This is indicated by the transition of an erythroblast to a polychromatophilic form. Then the cell is converted to reticulocytes. And only at this stage, red blood cells without a nucleus are formed in the blood.
The causes of normoblasts
Normoblasts form and transform in the human bone marrow. As a result, the number of 0.01 normoblasts in the general blood test is considered a deviation from the normal indicator. These cells should not enter the peripheral blood type. Identifying them on the hemogram is a sign indicating the possible formation of serious diseases associated with hematopoiesis or brain structure.
The following are considered to be the causes of normoblasts in the general blood test:
- Hemolytic type of anemia.
- Various forms of leukemia or erythroleukemia.
- Brain cancer
- Tumors of a malignant nature.
- Problems with blood circulation.
- Severe blood loss.
- The formation of metastases in the bone marrow.
An especially dangerous increase in the number of normoblasts in the blood is considered after surgery. The presence of these cells indicates a serious condition of the patient.
Moreover, the presence or absence of blood cells, and not their number, acts as a diagnostic element. Even the slightest deviation from zero is a sign of a pathological process. But do not be upset ahead of time, because the appearance of normoblasts may be associated with the presence of prolonged inflammation or hypoxia.
Normoblasts in the children's body
Hematopoiesis in a child’s body is significantly different from an adult, therefore normoblasts in the general blood test are considered to be a completely normal process, which is explained by the fact that, at birth, the bone marrow, which is responsible for the production of blood cells, is located in all bones of both flat and tubular types. A large load, as well as increased synthesis of erythropoietin by the kidneys and liver of the child, leads to changes in the physiological type. And they, in turn, entail the release of a small number of normoblasts into the blood.
The maximum number of normoblasts in the analysis is found in infants aged 2 to 3 months. A small number of normoblasts can periodically be detected throughout the entire early period of development.
It is worth noting that normoblasts in a general blood test in a child can also indicate a pathology, in particular, the development of a disease such as an acute form of lymphoid leukemia. This disease requires immediate treatment, since with advanced stages it can even cause death.
The first steps in detecting a large number of normoblasts in the blood of a child
It is noted that normoblasts are often detected by laboratory error. That is why in case of detection of this type of blood cells, the first thing to do is to retake the analysis after 10-14 days. If the result is similar, then additional examination and treatment will be required.
Normal value of normoblasts
If there are no pathologies in the human body, then normoblasts are always in the red bone marrow, practically not penetrating the bloodstream. That is why the norm of normoblasts in the general blood test corresponds to zero. The exception is only small children who have a small number of these cells is not considered a pathology.
Therefore, if in the general blood test normoblasts are 2: 100, then this is a clear sign of pathology.
Normoblast reduction
Since the norm of normoblasts in the blood is 0, then there can be no reduced number of them.
Only the number of red blood cells that are formed from normoblasts can be reduced. Red blood cells can be diluted with a large volume of fluid, and their normoblasts can actually form in a smaller amount.
The latter problem is observed in the case of various bone marrow diseases, as a consequence of radiation exposure. But the main reason for this condition is iron deficiency, which is required to create hemoglobin.
Symptoms of leukemia
Early diagnosis of leukemia significantly increases the chances of a cure, therefore it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately after the appearance of the following symptoms:
- blanching of the skin;
- feeling of weakness;
- dizziness;
- clotting problems;
- impaired functioning of the immune system;
- excessive fatigue.
If, against this background, a normoblast result of 1: 100 in a general blood test is detected, then this may indicate the occurrence of leukemia (large blood cell counts may also indicate the presence of the presented pathology).
Leukemia Diagnosis
In the case of the symptoms inherent in leukemia, the doctor first sends the patient for a hemogram and a blood test to detect blast cells. Thanks to the analysis, an accurate indicator of all atypical blood elements will be obtained, which will reveal the degree of spread of the disease. In the case of leukemia, a decrease in platelet count is detected in a general blood test. In parallel with this, an increase in ESR and the number of normoblasts in the blood occurs.
In addition, such diagnostic tests may be prescribed:
- blood chemistry;
- study of immunoenzymes;
- myelogram (bone marrow biopsy).
Only after having studied all the data obtained as a result of the presented research methods, the doctor has the opportunity to make a diagnosis.
The purpose of the myelogram
To determine the cause of the increase in the number of normoblasts in the blood, myelograms are often prescribed. The analysis is a study of the state of a smear taken from bone marrow through a biopsy. The procedure is carried out under local anesthesia. Puncture is performed in the sternum or ilium.
For the procedure does not require special training or any restrictions. If a person is taking medications, then before the procedure he must inform the doctor about it, and if there is a possibility, temporarily stop the use of medicines. The result of the study can be obtained after a few hours.
Treatment
Therapy of elevated normoblasts in the blood is not carried out. They disappear on their own after the successful treatment of the underlying pathology is completed.
It is very important to identify the cause that provoked an increase in the normoblast in the blood. After detection of the pathology, therapy is carried out, due to which either the process is completely stopped, or a state of persistent remission of the patient in chronic forms of the disease is created.
The most terrible disease, which can indicate elevated rates of normoblasts, is considered leukemia.
Leukemia Therapies
If it is confirmed that elevated rates of normoblasts indicate the presence of leukemia, then the treatment of pathology includes the following manipulations:
- Chemotherapy. Assign in case of confirmation of the malignant nature of the pathology. During this procedure, the destruction of all affected cells is performed.
- Radiation therapy. Provides relief of the process of tumor growth in the affected area.
- Biotherapy It is used at the final stages of the treatment of the disease or with its mild course. It consists in the use of special medicines, acting as analogues of substances that are produced by a healthy body.
- Targeted treatment. It is based on the use of monoclonal bodies for therapeutic purposes. It is an alternative to chemical therapy in the initial stages of treatment of the disease.
If the disease is in a neglected state, then the only possibility of its cure is stem cell transplantation. This is a rather time-consuming process that requires a lot of professionalism and money costs.
Therapy of erythromyelosis
Having figured out what normoblasts in the blood are, what it means for children and adults, it should be noted that elevated levels of these blood bodies can directly indicate the presence of such a serious disease as erythromyelosis.
This disease is characterized by the presence of the following symptoms:
- severe weakness;
- bruising;
- pain in the bones;
- weight loss;
- difficulty breathing
- the formation of a fungal infection.
In the absence of quality therapy, pathology can become a provocateur of the formation of a focal type of spleen necrosis, swelling of the lymph nodes, discharge of blood from the nose and gums, as well as hemorrhages in the retina.
Such complications develop as a consequence of the fact that the cells containing the nucleus penetrate through the circulatory system into the internal organs, digestive and reproductive systems, and enter the skin and muscles.
In some cases, diseases that are characterized by an elevated level of normoblasts, after about six months or even faster, cause death.
Therapy of this dangerous disease consists in the implementation of several sessions of chemical or radiation therapy. In addition, stem cells can be transplanted to the patient.
Occasionally, a chronic form of erythromyelosis can be found in people. Diagnosing this pathology is quite difficult, because, despite the presence of a tumor, the nuclei containing red blood cells do not penetrate the blood.
The presented diagnosis can be confirmed by a detailed study of the state of internal organs, since the liver and spleen are enlarged, swelling of the lymph nodes develops.
This form of the disease is distinguished by a long course (for 2-3 years). To rid the patient of the pathology, doctors perform multiple transfusions of red blood cells. An alternative method of therapy is the introduction of special medicinal serum, but a greater effect is achieved through stem cell transplantation.
Prevention of an increase in the number of normoblasts in the blood
To prevent an increase in the number of normoblasts, it is necessary to take preventive measures aimed at preventing the formation of anemia and acute leukemia. To avoid the occurrence of these pathologies, it is recommended to avoid radioactive radiation, inhalation of pesticides, uncontrolled use of drugs.
Medical workers insist that if an increased number of normoblasts is found in the blood, it is imperative to go to the clinic. Only the identification of an accurate diagnosis and the timely initiation of therapy will ensure a full recovery and quick recovery of all body functions.
It is important to understand that the detection of even a small number of normoblasts in a blood test is already a sign of a pathology that requires immediate treatment.