Is Macrocytosis A Deadly Disease?
It could be due to serious diseases
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Although the most common causes of macrocytosis involve B12 and folic acid levels (which you excluded by testing for B12 and folic acid in the blood I suppose), there are other potentially serious conditions that may cause it. Liver disease caused by alcohol consumption is one of them. Hypothyroidism is another.
The most serious one is myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) which is a serious bone marrow disorder that causes reduced production of various blood cells (not only the red blood cells).
In most cases the MDS progresses slowly but it eventually causes an anemia, low white blood cells and platelets causing serious problems and perhaps even death.
I hope I've helped!
If you'd like further details, please specify them using your follow-up questions.
Kind Regards!
Yes
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
if it is due the excessive alcohol abuse then it can be reversed. If no vitamins (B12, folate) are missing then abstinence will make the red blood cells volume return to normal within 2 to 4 months.
Cirrhosis is irreversible
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
mild liver damage can be functionally reversed. Serious chronic damage to the liver cannot be reversed though. Scars develop between liver tissue and compromise its functionality. Abstinence will definitely help though and you should try to keep avoiding alcohol. Your liver's condition can be assessed by blood tests, radiological tests and biopsy. Biopsy can sometimes be avoided.
Liver disease is not the only reason for alcohol-related-macrocytosis. Alcohol on its own is toxic to the bone marrow and causes macrocytosis. This is the kind of macrocytosis that is reversible. Macrocytosis is not the real problem. The real problem is what causes it!
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
Always glad to help!
Thanks for asking!