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Red Cell Changes in Hyperthyroidism
Author(s) -
How J.,
Davidson R. J. L.,
Bewsher P. D.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0036-553X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0609.1979.tb02869.x
Subject(s) - carbimazole , euthyroid , medicine , red cell , iodine , mean corpuscular volume , endocrinology , gastroenterology , thyroid , chemistry , hematocrit , graves' disease , organic chemistry
The Coulter ‘S’ red cell profile was studied prospectively in 100 untreated non‐anaemic hyperthyroid patients and followed up in 52 of them until they had become euthyroid with radio‐iodine or carbimazole treatment. Serial haematological data were also obtained in 23 hyperthyroid patients during treatment with beta‐adrenoreceptor blocking drug alone. The most significant finding was a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) which was invariably present throughout the hyperthyroid state. Treatment with beta‐adrenoreceptor blocking drugs did not significantly alter any of the red cell parameters. On the other hand, the MCV increased and was restored to normal with radio‐iodine or carbimazale treatment although there was a lag period of about 6–8 weeks between achieving the euthyroid state and the normalisation of this red cell index. While none of the patients were anaemic, the haemoglabin level rose significantly fallowing effective anti‐thyroid treatment. It is suggested that measurement of the MCV may have a useful role in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. 2 possible mechanisms leading to the observed red cell changes in hyperthyroidism are postulated.