Other names: reticulocytes, immature erythrocytes, erythroblasts

Red blood cells derived from bone marrow stem cells and there gradually through various stages in the mature adult cells called erythrocytes, which are flushed into the blood. This development may be many reasons for disturbed and this leads to a lack of mature and functional red blood cells – anemia(anemia). Anemia usually occurs gradually (chronic) to appear pallor, fatigue, low blood pressure and rapid heartbeat up when the reserves are depleted of functional blood cells and the mechanisms of their formation.

For severe anemia is considered arminati anemia where, for various reasons (ionizing radiation, cytostatics and other drugs, chemicals, pesticides, viral disease) will damage the stem hematopoietic cells, which then can not mature into red or other blood cells (from stem cells in fact arise only erythrocytes but also granulocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets). Of course, there is never total extinction of hematopoietic tissue, but its function decline threatens the patient’s various infections, increased bleeding and anemia also affects shortness of breath and reduced performance.

Disabilities isolated red blood cells is called. Pure red cell aplasia. Can be either congenital or acquired in connection with a viral infection and its progression is sudden and dramatic, or vice versa proceeds chronically.

Less mature blood cells can also be found as part of myelodysplastic syndomu, which is dangerous for its possible transition of leukemia.

Therapy

In severe disorders of the aforementioned maturation of red blood cells is applied stem cell transplantation (especially in younger patients). Blood transfusion is only temporary assistance and putting a strain on the body iron overload, which in turn can complicate the transplant itself.Furthermore, immunosuppressive drugs are administered.

Red blood cells during their maturation obtained hemoglobin binding iron and oxygen. These are necessary for the proper function of blood cells – transport of respiratory gases. The anemia can occur even in the absence of substances necessary for their creation, which are: iron, folic acid and vitamin. B12. A shortage of erythropoietin – stimulating hormone production of blood cells in the bone marrow – does the maturation of red blood cells. In these cases it is appropriate to modify the diet with enough iron, folic acid and vitamin. B12 (deficiency may sometimes be associated with malabsorption and his administration will not solve the problem).

Erythropoietin or various stimulating factors may also be applied in treatment. Always consult about it with your doctor! Often it is also a condition that requires hospitalization.