It is through blood tests that it is possible to detect the existence of a number of diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and many other agents. Through this exam, the obstetrician assesses, already in the first prenatal visits, if the health of the pregnant woman is optimal and if she is able to pass on to the fetus all the necessary nutrients for its development, as in the case of assessing anisocytosis1.

What is anisocytosis

Different analyses are performed on the same blood sample, and a common finding during pregnancy is the presence of anisocytosis, which is the existence of red blood cells of different sizes in this single sample, usually indicating anemia or the presence of certain other chemical substances in the blood that may affect the baby.

During pregnancy the woman’s body already functions differently, producing substances in greater quantities as it needs to meet the needs of both mother and baby, and naturally the blood test references are different from those of any other person2.

Anisocytosis in Pregnancy

Anisocytosis in pregnancy is commonly found in blood tests at the start of prenatal care, indicating some forms of anemia as well as other blood disorders where the cells are larger and uneven in size, detected in the same blood sample.

During pregnancy, there is a higher production of erythrocytes to meet the blood volume requirements of the uterus, placenta and fetus, and this is normally when anisocytosis is detected.

This defect in red blood cells is common in various types of anemia, such as hemolytic anemia, iron-deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, sickle cell anemia, and anemia due to folic acid deficiency, as well as resulting from various factors, such as alcohol abuse or chemical substances known as erythropoietin.

Symptoms of Anisocytosis

Anisocytosis is more of a “factor” that indicates something is wrong with your body, and cannot be treated directly. You can say that anisocytosis is more of a symptom of other diseases than a disease itself.

There are some signs that may indicate an imbalance in your blood. Pay attention if you notice some of these symptoms and always speak to your doctor so that they can assess whether more detailed testing is needed.

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Arrhythmia
  • Lack of appetite
  • Feeling cold
  • Fatigue
  • Memory loss
  • Muscle pain

When anisocytosis occurs as a result of anemia, it means there is a problem with the red blood cells. As they are responsible for transporting oxygen through the blood, any alteration will prevent them from carrying all the necessary oxygen. That is why symptoms such as vertigo (especially when standing up), headaches, dizziness, and mainly difficulty breathing occur.

Causes of Anisocytosis

It is necessary to identify the cause in order to carry out appropriate treatment. If there are any abnormalities in blood tests and anisocytosis is identified, only the doctor can diagnose the causes and recommend how to treat it.

Anisocytosis can result from certain types of anemia, some deficiency of vitamins and minerals in our bodies or even be caused by cancer. Diseases where the same cells appear in different and variable sizes.

If it is caused by a low concentration of red blood cells, cardiac problems can occur, because if there are not enough red blood cells to carry hemoglobin, the heart will have to work harder. An overloaded heart can cause murmurs, arrhythmias, change in heart size (enlargement) and even heart failure.

Vitamin B12, vitamin A, and iron are very important for the proper functioning of our bodies—they are necessary to keep our bodies working properly and they also help in the production of red blood cells, and it is precisely the lack of these that can cause anisocytosis.

When the existence of anisocytosis is detected, it is very important to thoroughly analyze the changes found in the blood, and they are classified into one of three degrees: mild, moderate, and marked.

Types of Anisocytosis

Anisocytosis is represented by three degrees of severity. Mild anisocytosis, when the degree of change in cell size is within 25% of their concentration (this case is represented by “+”).

Moderate anisocytosis or “++”, which occurs when the alteration in blood cell content is up to 50%, and also marked anisocytosis, represented by “+++” when the number of altered blood cells is greater than healthy cell composition (75%) and is also accompanied by severe clinical symptoms, and by “++++” when there is a complete replacement of normal blood cells by altered ones, but don’t worry, such extreme cases are very rare.

Platelet Anisocytosis

Another type of anisocytosis that can be identified in pregnant women during prenatal blood testing is the platelet type3 also called thrombocytopenia.

This type of anisocytosis occurs when there is a change in the number of platelets in the blood. The concentration of these platelets decreases and since these cells are responsible for blood clotting in our bodies, it’s very important that they are in balance.

Platelet anisocytosis causes problems with clotting, since platelets are very important elements in this process. It can be hereditary or it can be acquired throughout life.

Finally, classifying anisocytosis as a serious condition that requires greater concerns depends greatly on the actual disease causing these changes in the blood cells. As mentioned, it may be caused by various types of anemia, lack of vitamins, or cancer, which are indeed diseases of very different severity levels.

Detecting Anisocytosis indicates that something is not right, but do not try to decode your test results on your own or become distressed by these complex names. See your doctor so they can diagnose the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.

See Also: Anemia in Pregnancy – Things Every Pregnant Woman Should Know