Polychromasia
Polychromasia is a medical condition characterized by the presence of polychromatic red blood cells in the blood smear. These cells are typically larger and exhibit a bluish tint when stained with Wright's stain or Giemsa stain, indicating that they are reticulocytes, or immature red blood cells.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Polychromasia can be caused by a variety of conditions that lead to increased production of red blood cells by the bone marrow. These conditions include:
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
The diagnosis of polychromasia is typically made through a peripheral blood smear examination. The presence of polychromatic cells is a sign that the bone marrow is responding to an increased demand for red blood cells. Additional tests may include:
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Polychromasia is an important diagnostic indicator in various hematological conditions. It suggests active erythropoiesis and can be a response to:
- Hemorrhage
- Hemolysis
- Therapeutic interventions such as iron therapy or erythropoietin administration
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment of polychromasia involves addressing the underlying cause. For instance:
- In cases of iron deficiency anemia, iron supplements may be prescribed.
- For hemolytic anemia, treatment may include corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive agents.
- In cases of acute blood loss, blood transfusion may be necessary.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD