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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Low Red Blood Count?

My sister has been anemia most of her life. She is on iron tablets. A month ago she had a fall at work and ended up with a hairline tear in her knee. Then she slipped on the crutches and fell again and brushed her opposite side from the wet walkway. She is now using a cane. She has not had any treatment for the tear in her knee as of yet. When she did her annual blood work it came back with much improvement in her iron to the point she was not anemic; but her red blood count was low. Doc has referred her to a urologist....what could be up. He says he is being extra causious and not to worry....
Wed, 29 Oct 2014
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Geriatrics Specialist 's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows.
1. Low red cell count and not anemia is suggestive of macrocytic anemia.
2. Macrocytic anemia could be due to Vit B12 or folic acid deficiency.
3. Get a serum vit B12 and folic acid assay for confirmation. Appropriate supplementation is essential. Not to worry. Knee requires surgery.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
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What Causes Low Red Blood Count?

Hi, Thanks for asking. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows. 1. Low red cell count and not anemia is suggestive of macrocytic anemia. 2. Macrocytic anemia could be due to Vit B12 or folic acid deficiency. 3. Get a serum vit B12 and folic acid assay for confirmation. Appropriate supplementation is essential. Not to worry. Knee requires surgery. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again.