Erythrocytes - red blood cells - are one of the formed elements of liquid connective tissue. In their composition they have hemoglobin. This is a pigment that is directly involved in the delivery of oxygen to tissues and is responsible for the saturation of the latter. In addition, it is thanks to hemoglobin that the blood turns red and a normal level of its acid-base balance is maintained. In the conclusion of a laboratory study of liquid connective tissue, the abbreviation Mchc can be found. It indicates the average concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells. This indicator has significant clinical significance. Based on the results of the study, it is possible to confirm or exclude the development of the pathological process in the body.
Average hemoglobin concentration: what does it mean
Mchc is an indicator that reflects the amount of iron-containing protein in red blood cells. This abbreviation should not be confused with the abbreviation Mch. This is another indicator that indicates the mass of protein in a single red blood cell. In other words, Mchc is the average concentration of hemoglobin, that is, the degree of filling density of the red blood cell. The indicator is due solely to the quantitative ratio of the investigated contents in relation to one or another shaped element of the fluid connective tissue, regardless of the number of red blood cells.
Determination method
A blood test is prescribed for suspected development of anemia and diseases associated with the pathological process. If the doctor needs to establish the average concentration of hemoglobin in the red blood cell, he assigns the patient a clinical trial. The analysis is carried out using hematological equipment for special purposes.
The collection of biological material (capillary blood) is carried out in the morning. In this case, the procedure is carried out on an empty stomach. The patient must refrain from eating food 8-10 hours before taking the biomaterial. In addition, it is advisable to refuse from drinks, especially alcohol-containing.
Normal performance
The average concentration of hemoglobin in the red blood cell is not constant. The indicator changes throughout a person’s life. For example, the average hemoglobin concentration in a newborn is lower than in an adult. That is why when interpreting the results of laboratory tests, it is necessary to take into account both the age and gender of the patient.
Normal values of the average hemoglobin concentration (expressed in g / l):
- From the moment of birth to 14 days - no less than 280 and no more than 350.
- 14 days-30 days - not higher than 360.
- 1-2 months - 280-350.
- 2-4 months - at least 290 and not more than 370.
- 4-12 months - no higher than 370.
- 1-3 years - at least 320 and no more than 380.
- From 3 to 13 years old - 320-370.
- 13-15 years old. The norm for boys is 320-370, for girls - 320-360.
- From 15 to 45 years old - not higher than 360.
- 45-60 years old. The norm for males is 320-360, for women - 310-360.
- 65 years and older. The norm for men is 310-360, for women - 320-360.
With a significant deviation of the indicator, it is customary to talk about the development of a pathological process in the patient's body. To identify the root cause, a number of laboratory and instrumental studies are additionally assigned.
Downward deviation
If the average hemoglobin concentration is significantly reduced, this indicates the presence of hypochromia. This term refers to a disease in which red blood cells are not able to absorb the right amount of iron-containing protein. The development of this pathological condition is due to existing pathologies, against the background of which the formation of hemoglobin is disturbed.
The main causes of the disease:
- Hypochromic anemia (both iron deficiency and sideroblastic in nature).
- Hemoglobinopathies.
- Posthemorrhagic anemia.
- Violation of the water-electrolyte balance.
- Pathologies of a hereditary nature.
If a lower average hemoglobin concentration is detected, the doctor evaluates other indicators: iron-containing protein and red blood cells. If the latter are within normal limits, this indicates that the study was conducted with errors. In such cases, the analysis of the biomaterial is carried out again.
Possible complications
A reduced average concentration of hemoglobin in the red blood cell is a pathological condition. Various kinds of anemia negatively affect the functioning of the whole organism. The first "blow" takes on the digestive and endocrine systems. Against the background of gastrointestinal tract disorders and hormonal imbalance, the patient's skin turns pale, his nails break and alopecia develops.
In addition, ignoring the problem leads to the following pathological conditions:
- Changing the structure of the brain.
- A persistent decrease in blood pressure.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Violations of the tactile and taste buds.
- Cramps and pain in various areas.
- Pathologies of the vestibular apparatus.
It is important to understand that the above conditions can cause the development of even more serious diseases. In order to avoid the risk of complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner (immediately after receiving the results of a laboratory test).
Low Mhch Treatment
If the average concentration of hemoglobin in the red blood cell is lowered, drug therapy is indicated. In addition, the patient needs to make adjustments to his diet. The menu must contain products containing a large amount of folic acid and iron.
It is important to determine the root cause of the pathological process in a timely manner. It is from the underlying disease that treatment tactics depend.
The basics of symptomatic therapy:
- Reception of vitamin complexes. They must necessarily contain elements of group B.
- Reception of biologically active additives. They must be rich in mineral components.
- Taking medications containing iron and folic acid.
As a rule, with a decrease in the average hemoglobin concentration, doctors prescribe the following drugs:
- Ferrum Lek.
- Actiferin.
- Totem.
- "Ferroplex".
- Tardiferon.
These drugs are prescribed for both children and adults. In accordance with the age, the doctor adjusts the dosage regimen.
The duration of treatment is 1-3 months. It directly depends on the degree of deviation of the indicator. The root cause of the development of a pathological condition is also important.
Big deviation
A similar phenomenon is diagnosed only in isolated cases. The main reasons for increasing the average concentration of hemoglobin:
- Violation of the water balance.
- Hyperchromic anemia.
- Oval or spherocytosis.
More often, the causes are non-pathological in nature. The false determination of hemoglobin and hematocrit leads to false results. In addition, the sampling and storage of biomaterial affects the outcome of the study.
In order to confirm or eliminate the error, a second blood test is prescribed. If the average hemoglobin concentration is elevated, immediate drug therapy is required. This is due to the fact that a significant deviation of the Mchc index upwards (more than 380 g / l) can lead to crystallization of the red pigment and destruction of red blood cells. It is worth noting that such a complication is extremely rarely diagnosed.
Treatment for Elevated Mchc
Therapy of a pathological condition requires taking medication and switching to special dietary nutrition.
As a rule, doctors prescribe the following drugs: Trental, Cardiomagnyl, Curantil. Mandatory withdrawal of funds containing folic acid and B vitamins.
If you have an elevated Mchc, you must include foods with a high salt content in your diet. You need to refuse red fruits and berries, meat and beef liver. All dishes should be consumed boiled or stewed. Alcohol-containing drinks are also strictly prohibited.
In order to prevent the development of anemia, it is necessary to regularly donate blood for analysis. In addition, the reason for immediate medical attention is a constant feeling of weakness and the rapid onset of fatigue.
Finally
The average concentration of hemoglobin in the red blood cell (Mchc) is a clinically significant indicator, based on the results of which it is possible to judge the presence of a particular pathology in the patient. The biological material for the study is capillary blood. With a decrease or increase in the average concentration of hemoglobin, not only medical treatment is indicated, but also a special diet. In addition, it is important to establish the root cause of the pathological condition in a timely manner.