Normocytic anemia is a type of anemia and is a common issue that occurs for men and women typically over 85 years old. Its prevalence increases with age, reaching 44 percent in men older than 85 years. The most common type of normocytic anemia is anemia of chronic disease. Classification
A normocytic anemia is when the red blood cells (RBCs) are of normal size. Normocytic anemia is defined when the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is between 80 and 100 femtolitres (fL), which is within the normal and expected range. However, the hematocrit and hemoglobin are decreased. In contrast, microcytic anemias are defined as an anemia with a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) less than 80 fL and macrocytic anemias have a mean corpuscular volume over 100 fL. Diagnosis
To aid with determining the underlying cause of the normocytic anemia, a lab test is done on reticulocyte count. A reticulocyte count that is high, normal or low will aid with the classification process. A high reticulocyte count signifies that bone marrow processes are normal. A low reticulocyte count would signify there is a problem at the level of the bone marrow, which produce the stem cells. Acute blood loss would result in a high reticulocyte count, as bone marrow processes are normal and the bone marrow responds accordingly to the bodys need for blood.
Treatment for anemia due to chronic diseases, such as kidney disease, focus on healing the primary condition first. Dietary foods or supplements should be added if anemia is due to a lack of a particular vitamin. Erythropoietin may be considered if anemia is severe. Erythropoietin will stimulate the bone marrow to make more blood cells. References
External links
Entry on aafp.org