High MCHC: Causes, Treatment, And Symptoms - Medical News Today

Có thể bạn quan tâm

Medical News TodaySubscribeExplore more in Anemia

Causes of high MCHC

A male nurse with vials of blood from an MCHC blood test. — Hispanolistic/Getty Images

There are several potential causes of high MCHC. It often occurs in people with conditions that cause the red blood cells to be fragile or easily destroyed.

Causes of high MCHC include:

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)

In AIHA, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own red blood cells. Sometimes, high MCHC develops on its own, but it can also occur alongside lupus or lymphoma. It can also happen as a result of taking certain medications.

Symptoms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia may include the following:

fatigue
jaundice
weakness
paleness
abdominal discomfort
enlarged spleen
rapid heartbeat
fainting

Learn more about AIHA

Macrocytic anemia

Macrocytic anemia is a type of blood disorder where some of the red blood cells are much larger than usual. Sometimes a B-12 deficiency can cause macrocytic anemia.

Symptoms of macrocytic anemia are similar to those of hemolytic anemia, but also include:

weight loss
loss of appetite
brittle hair and nails
diarrhea
trouble concentrating
memory problems

Learn more about macrocytic anemia.

Hereditary spherocytosis

Hereditary spherocytosis is a genetic mutation that makes the membranes of red blood cells fragile. This condition typically passes from a parent to a child.

Learn more about hereditary spherocytosis.

Severe burns

Blood loss from severe burns may cause a person to have hemolytic anemia and high MCHC.

Liver disease

The liver stores and processes hemoglobin, so people with liver disease often have some form of anemia. If their liver damages the red blood cells, a person may have high MCHC.

Symptoms of liver disease often include common symptoms of anemia, in addition to:

nausea
vomiting
upper right abdominal pain

Learn more about liver disease.

Overactive thyroid

An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, may lead to changes in a person’s red blood cells.

People with high MCHC due to an overactive thyroid may experience:

sweating
excess hunger
fatigue
weight loss
palpitations
restlessness
weakness

Learn more about hyperthyroidism.

How is high MCHC diagnosed?

A blood test known as a complete blood count or CBC includes MCHC values. This test provides information on the white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in a person’s blood.

A doctor may order a CBC as part of a routine physical exam to help screen for various conditions.

A doctor may also order a CBC to monitor how an existing condition responds to treatment.

Learn about low MCHC in blood tests.

Treatment

Treatment for high MCHC depends on the underlying cause.

Doctors usually treat AIHA with corticosteroids, such as Prednisone. Initially, doctors will prescribe a high dose and then lower it over time. In severe cases of hemolytic anemia, doctors may recommend removing the spleen.

Doctors may prescribe immunosuppressant medications when other treatments are unsuccessful and for relapsing AIHA.

Increasing levels of vitamin B-12 and folate can also help treat people with macrocytic anemia. People with hereditary spherocytosis can also benefit from increasing their intake of these nutrients.

Dietary sources of vitamin B-12 and folate include:

poultry
eggs
red meat
shellfish
lentils
dark, leafy greens
fortified grains and cereals
nutritional yeast

If a person has hereditary spherocytosis, a doctor may also recommend:

blood transfusions
removing the spleen
removing the gallbladder

People can often manage liver disease with lifestyle modifications. However, a doctor may also prescribe medications or recommend surgery to remove part of the liver.

People with severe burns will require treatment in the hospital to prevent infection and shock if necessary. If severe burns cause high MCHC, doctors will likely order blood transfusions.

Frequently asked questions

Can infection cause high MCHC?

Infection does not cause high MCHC. It is most likely to occur in people with conditions that weaken the red blood cells, such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia, macrocytic anemia, and liver disease.

When should I be worried about MCHC?

A normal level of MCHC for an adult is 32–36 grams per deciliter (g/dL). Higher or lower values may indicate an underlying condition, and a person should discuss this with a doctor. The doctor may order further tests to help with diagnosis.

Summary

MCHC levels indicate the concentration of hemoglobin in a specific volume of red blood cells. Doctors consider an MCHC value over 36 g/dL as high.

High MCHC can have many causes, including some types of anemia, liver disease, and overactive thyroid, which cause varying symptoms.

In many cases, making dietary changes to include more vitamin B-12 and folate may be sufficient treatment. Sometimes, a person may require a blood transfusion or even surgery.

Hypothyroid
Blood / Hematology
Liver Disease / Hepatitis
Nutrition / Diet

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Jenna Fletcher — Updated on November 21, 2023

Latest news

US vaccine guideline changes challenge clinical practice, insurance coverage
Exercise prevents muscle loss as we age: Here's how
Moving just 5 more minutes each day could boost longevity
New Mount Sinai AI tool aims to improve access to cancer clinical trials
Early menopause not linked to higher diabetes risk, study finds

Related Coverage

What is nutritional-deficiency anemia?Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, M.D.
Nutritional-deficiency anemia happens when the body does not get enough iron or a few other nutrients from the diet. Learn more, including how to…
READ MORE
What is hyperthyroidism? Symptoms, treatments, causes, and moreMedically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD
Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition due to high levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments here.
READ MORE
Reblozyl interactions: Alcohol, medications, and other factors
Learn about interactions between Reblozyl and other medications, supplements, foods, alcohol, and more.
READ MORE
Reblozyl (luspatercept-aamt) and cost
Reblozyl is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of anemia. Learn how to lower long-term costs and more.
READ MORE
Promacta interactions: Alcohol, medications, and other factors
Learn about possible Promacta interactions with alcohol, other drugs, supplements, foods, and more.
READ MORE

Từ khóa » B-mchc G/l

Health Conditions

Health Products

News

Original Series

Podcasts

General Health

Health Tools

Quizzes

About Medical News Today

Find Community

Follow Us

Related Topics

Diagnosis

Related Articles

Symptoms

Related Articles

Diet

Related Articles

Causes & Risk Factors

Related Articles

Types

Related Articles

Prognosis

Related Articles

Causes of high MCHC

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)

Macrocytic anemia

Hereditary spherocytosis

Severe burns

Liver disease

Overactive thyroid

How is high MCHC diagnosed?

Treatment

Frequently asked questions

Can infection cause high MCHC?

When should I be worried about MCHC?

Summary

Latest news

Related Coverage

Liên Hệ