From the Guidelines
Low MCHC indicates hypochromic anemia, most commonly caused by iron deficiency, and requires prompt evaluation and treatment to prevent adverse outcomes on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. If you have low MCHC, consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause, which often requires iron supplementation of 60-200 mg elemental iron daily for 3-6 months if iron deficiency is confirmed 1. Other potential causes include thalassemia, chronic disease anemia, lead poisoning, or sideroblastic anemia.
Key Considerations
- A complete blood count (white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets) assesses bone marrow function, and abnormalities in two or more of these cell lines should be evaluated carefully and likely warrant discussion with a hematologist 1.
- Low mean corpuscular volume usually suggests deficiencies of iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, or inherited disorders of hemoglobin synthesis 1.
- Anemia is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and adverse cardiovascular and clinical outcomes, and a reduction in quality of life, particularly when the hemoglobin level drops below 100 g/l 1.
Treatment Approach
- Your doctor will likely order additional tests including complete blood count, iron studies, and possibly hemoglobin electrophoresis to determine the exact cause.
- While dietary changes to include iron-rich foods (red meat, spinach, beans, fortified cereals) can help, supplements are usually necessary to correct significant deficiencies.
- Continue treatment until your hemoglobin and iron stores return to normal levels, and follow up with your doctor to monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
From the Research
Implications of Low MCHC
- A low Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) has been associated with various health implications, including:
- Low MCHC values have also been linked to iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and α-thalassemia, which can cause microcytic anemia 5
- It is essential to accurately measure MCHC, as false elevations can occur due to interference factors such as cold agglutination and lipid blood interference 6
Health Associations
- Low MCHC has been associated with:
- MCHC can be used as a diagnostic indicator for anemia classification, and its accuracy is crucial for disease diagnosis and treatment 6
Clinical Significance
- MCHC is a valuable parameter in evaluating the prognosis of patients with various diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma, chronic heart failure, and acute pulmonary embolism 2, 3, 4
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for false elevations in MCHC and take steps to correct for interference factors 6