What type of cells are often seen with liver disease and thalassemia?

The presence of target cells in individuals with liver disease and thalassemia can be attributed to changes in the red blood cell membrane and alterations in the lipid content of the cells. Target cells, or codocytes, have a characteristic appearance that resembles a bullseye, which is caused by an increase in membrane surface area relative to the volume of the red blood cells. This phenomenon often occurs in states where there is a reduction in hemoglobin concentration or alterations in the lipid composition of the cell membrane.

In liver disease, particularly when there is cholestasis or hepatic dysfunction, the accumulation of certain lipids can lead to the formation of target cells. In thalassemia, where there is ineffective erythropoiesis and varying degrees of anemia, target cells can also become prominent as a result of the imbalanced hemoglobin production and alterations in red blood cell morphology.

The other cell types mentioned do have specific associations with hematologic conditions or other comorbidities. Macrocytes are typically seen in megaloblastic anemia, spherocytes are associated with conditions like hereditary spherocytosis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and schistocytes are indicative of microangiopathic hemolytic processes. However, target cells are particularly relevant