Here you will learn about “Why tibc , RDW and platelet increase in iron deficiency anemia?”.
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition characterized by a shortage of iron in the body, leading to a decrease in the number of red blood cells or a reduction in their ability to carry oxygen effectively.
It is an essential mineral required for the production of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to other tissues in the body.
When there is insufficient iron avail, the body struggles to synthesis an adequate amount of hemoglobin. As a result, the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood diminishes, leading to various symptoms and health complications.
Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common types of anemia worldwide and can affect individuals of all ages and genders.
Why platelet increase in iron deficiency anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia is typically associated with a decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin levels, it can occasionally lead to an increase in platelets (condition known as thrombocytosis).
In iron deficiency anemia, platelet count can sometimes increase. Platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting, can increase in response to this type of anemia.
There are following possible causes of Platelets increasing in iron deficiency anemia.
- Reactive Thrombocytosis: Iron deficiency anemia can cause a state of chronic low oxygen levels (hypoxia) in the body. In response, the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced, may become more active and stimulate the production of platelets. This reactive thrombocytosis is a compensatory mechanism to enhance blood clotting and improve oxygen delivery to tissues.
- Inflammatory Response: Iron deficiency anemia can also trigger a low-grade inflammatory response in the body. Inflammation can contribute to platelet production and release from the bone marrow.
- Alterations in Platelet Function: Iron deficiency may affect platelet function, leading to an increased activation and aggregation of platelets. This can result in a higher platelet count.
Why is tibc high in iron deficiency anemia?
TIBC stands for Total Iron Binding Capacity. It is a blood test that measures the maximum amount of iron that can be bound to a protein called transferrin, which is responsible for transporting iron in the blood.
The TIBC test provides valuable information about the body’s ability to transport and bind iron.
When iron levels are low in the body, the transferrin protein has a greater capacity to bind to iron. Therefore, in cases of iron deficiency anemia, the TIBC value tends to be high.
On the other hand, when iron levels are high, such as in conditions like hemochromatosis (excess iron accumulation), the TIBC value is typically low because transferrin is already saturated with iron.
Why is rdw high in iron deficiency anemia?
RDW stands for Red Cell Distribution Width. It is a parameter that is measured as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test. The CBC is a common blood test that provides information about various components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
RDW specifically refers to the variation in size (width) of red blood cells (RBCs) in a blood sample. It is an indicator of the degree of anisocytosis, which means the variation in size of red blood cells. Normally, red blood cells are relatively uniform in size, but an increased RDW suggests a greater variation in size.
RDW is typically reported as a percentage. A higher RDW value indicates a greater range of red blood cell sizes, while a lower RDW value indicates less variation. RDW can be used as a supportive parameter in the evaluation of anemia and other blood disorders.
For example, a high RDW combined with a low MCV may indicate iron deficiency anemia, while a high RDW combined with a high MCV may suggest a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
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