Hallmarks of Hypochromic Anemias

Abstract

When red blood cells mature faster than hemoglobin is synthesized, an anemia with small pale red cells often results. It may be an iron-deficiency or sideroblastic anemia or thalassemia. In iron-deficiency anemia plasma iron is low and plasma iron-binding capacity increased. In thalassemia, increased hemoglobin A₂ or hemoglobin F levels are present, and in sideroblastic anemia, plasma iron values go up, iron-binding capacity decreases, and “ring sideroblasts” appear in the marrow.