Red cell inclusion?

Red cell inclusion refers to any abnormal structures or substances found within red blood cells. These inclusions can be caused by various factors, such as infections, genetic disorders, or exposure to certain chemicals or medications. Common types of red cell inclusions include Howell-Jolly bodies, Heinz bodies, and Pappenheimer bodies. Detection of red cell inclusions can provide valuable information about the underlying cause of a patient's condition and may help guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions.

- Howell-Jolly bodies: DNA-containing nuclear remnants within red blood cells, reflecting defective erythropoiesis; linked to asplenia and ineffective erythropoiesis.

- Pappenheimer bodies: iron-containing granules within red blood cells, seen in sideroblastic anemia.

- Cabot rings: remnants of nuclear material in red blood cells, associated with severe anemias and lead poisoning.

- Heinz bodies: denatured hemoglobin precipitates within red blood cells, caused by oxidative stress and certain drugs (e.g., primaquine).

- Malarial pigments (hemozoin): residual pigments of digested hemoglobin within red blood cells, seen in malarial infections.

- Schuffner stippling: basophilic stippling of red blood cells, associated with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.