title: How I Diagnose Non-thalassemic Microcytic Anemias.
abstract: Microcytic anemia is the most common form of anemia, characterized by reduced hemoglobin (Hb) synthesis associated with decreased red blood cell volume (MCV). It is a very heterogeneous group of diseases that may be either acquired or inherited. Microcytic hypochromic anemia can result from defects in globin (hemoglobinopathies or thalassemias) or heme synthesis or in iron availability, or acquisition by the erythroid precursors. Diagnosis of microcytic anaemia appears to be important in children/adolescents, especially to set, where possible, a treatment plan on the basis of the etiology and pathogenesis. After excluding the acquired causes of microcytic anemia that represent the most frequent etiology, according to the differential diagnosis, the analysis of genetic causes, mostly hereditary, must be considered. This review will consider acquired and hereditary microcytic anemias due to heme synthesis or to iron metabolism defects and their diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy; CEINGE, Advanced Biotechnologies, Naples, Italy; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, AOUI-Policlinico GB Rossi, 37134 Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Mariasole
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bruno
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy; CEINGE, Advanced Biotechnologies, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Luigia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: De Falco
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy; CEINGE, Advanced Biotechnologies, Naples, Italy. Electronic address: achille.iolascon@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Achille
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Iolascon
mesh_terms: D000747:Anemia, Hypochromic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins; C100003:deoxyhemoglobin; D007501:Iron