How to Treat Microcytic Anemia

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.