Hypochromic Microcytic Anemia: Causes, Pathogenesis, and Diagnostic Approaches

Hypochromic Microcytic
anemia

Introduction
Hypochromic Microcytic
anemia is caused by decreased
hemoglobin synthesis
(Chaudhry and Kasarla 2018).
The iron reserves of the body
hence decreases as iron is the
main component of
hemoglobin (Chaudhry and
Kasarla 2018).
the circulating RBCs are
smaller than the usual size of
the RBCs (microcytic)
The red color of the blood
fades.

Causes
Iron reserves in the
body can decrease
due to low dietary
supplement of iron.
Pregnancy
Decreased
absorption of iron
from the gut
(Chaudhry and Kasarla
2018).
Acute of chronic
blood loss
After a major
surgery

Pathogenesis
Hemoglobin- four
globin chains
 Alpha globin chains
 Beta globin chains
These four chains
remain attached to
the porphyrin ring
The reduced content
of iron decreases the
production of the
hemoglobin chains.