Symptom 2: Pale Skin and Anemia
Upon a cursory glance, one might think pale skin is just a cosmetic anomaly. However, in the context of MPGN, the paleness reflects something profound: anemia. Anemia is characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells or insufficient hemoglobin, the protein that imparts the red color to these cells and facilitates oxygen transport.
With progressing MPGN, the kidneys’ ability to produce erythropoietin (EPO) – a hormone that prompts bone marrow to produce red blood cells – dwindles. The diminished EPO leads to fewer red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Given the connection, it’s no surprise that anemia is a commonly reported symptom among MPGN patients.
Though paleness is a key sign of anemia, the condition drags along a suite of other symptoms. Fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and even chest pain can accompany it. The decreased oxygen supply to organs, owing to anemia, is the root of these manifestations. The body, in essence, is raising a red flag about its dwindling oxygen reserves.
While MPGN-induced anemia is due to diminished EPO production, several other types of anemias exist. Iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, and hemolytic anemia are just a few on the list. In the realm of MPGN, understanding the exact type of anemia is pivotal, guiding the subsequent therapeutic pathway. (2)
