transitive verb. 1  To keep up or carry on; continue: maintain good relations. 2  To keep in an existing state; preserve or retain: maintain one's composure. 3  To keep in a condition of good repair or efficiency: maintain two cars.
Anemia is usually classified based on the size of RBCs, as measured by the mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Anemia can be microcytic (MCV typically less than 80 Î¼m3 [80 fL]), normocytic (80 to 100 Î¼m3 [80 to 100 fL]), or macrocytic (greater than 100 Î¼m3 [100 fL]).
Hemolytic anemia. This occurs when your body destroys red blood cells before they should. The normal lifespan of red blood cells is 120 days. Normocytic anemia. This occurs when your red blood cells are normal in size, but low in count. Pernicious anemia. This occurs when your body lacks vitamin B12. It causes a shortage of healthy red blood cells. Sickle cell anemia (a form of sickle cell disease). This is a genetic disease that affects your red blood cells.