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Is MCV Level Of 100.4 A Cause For Concern?
Question: Hi, I have a slightly raised MCV level of 100.4 range being 81 - 100. A year ago it was 96 and the previous year 97. I am now to repeat the FB count coupled with a vitamin B12 check, Folate and thyroid function test. The reason for this recent blood test is the fact I am on Trimethoprim for acne for three months. My question is could the raised MCV be due to the medication and if so should I stop. Or could it be the fact I drink a few glasses of wine four nights a week. How can I get this back to normal?
Brief Answer:
decrease alcohol use, await test results
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Trimetoprim can cause a type of anemia called macrocytic anemia in some persons. This type of anemia can has an increased MCV and MCHC but the HB would be low.
You should continue the medication unless asked to discontinue because abnormal vitamin b12, folate or thyroid hormone can also cause increased MCV, MCHC.
It may not be related to the medication at all so it would be best not to discontinue unless other causes are ruled out including the above tests and alcohol use.
Trimetoprim can also cause the platelet count and WBC to decrease.
Normally, in terms of alcohol, there has to be excess alcohol intake or alcoholism for this type of anemia to occur. Drinking a few glasses should not do it but everyone's body reacts differently to alcohol so you should reduce/discontinue at see if it has an effect on the repeat test.
Summary: (1)await test result to see if any of these is abnormal and affecting the MCV
(2)reduce alcohol use to see if this has an effect
(3)you and your doctor can consider discontinuation if tests normal and no change with reduced alcohol use
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
decrease alcohol use, await test results
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Trimetoprim can cause a type of anemia called macrocytic anemia in some persons. This type of anemia can has an increased MCV and MCHC but the HB would be low.
You should continue the medication unless asked to discontinue because abnormal vitamin b12, folate or thyroid hormone can also cause increased MCV, MCHC.
It may not be related to the medication at all so it would be best not to discontinue unless other causes are ruled out including the above tests and alcohol use.
Trimetoprim can also cause the platelet count and WBC to decrease.
Normally, in terms of alcohol, there has to be excess alcohol intake or alcoholism for this type of anemia to occur. Drinking a few glasses should not do it but everyone's body reacts differently to alcohol so you should reduce/discontinue at see if it has an effect on the repeat test.
Summary: (1)await test result to see if any of these is abnormal and affecting the MCV
(2)reduce alcohol use to see if this has an effect
(3)you and your doctor can consider discontinuation if tests normal and no change with reduced alcohol use
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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