Role of Hematological Indices in the Screening of Β-Thalassemia Minor (Trait) and Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Abstract
Background: One of the most common causes of microcytic hypochromic anemia is either “Iron Deficiency” or “β-thalassemia trait”. It is a major diagnostic consideration to distinguish between the two. There are many formulas or indices that can discriminate similar CBC entities obtained via hematological cell analyzers. The aim of our study was to differentiate β-thalassemia trait from IDA on the basis of Mentzer’s Index and Red cell Distribution Width (RDW).
Method: A retrospective study of total of 255 patients samples, including children (0-12.5 years), was done (Males=56; Females=141; Children=58). Respective results were then segregated into their categories (IDA and TT) based on Mentzer’s Index, and RDW.
Result: Among the true positive cases males had a higher percentage of TT followed by children and females. The patient groups were evaluated according to RDW, Mentzer’s index and HbA2 levels.
Conclusion: The Mentzer index is almost equally reliable index in comparison to the newly found index- RDW.
They have a sensitivity of 73.5% and 81.8% and specificity of 94.8% and 95.7% respectively. Therefore, on
the basis of Mentzer’ index and RDW we can diagnose β-thalassemia minor in our routine CBC. We focus on inclusion of routine CBCs in pre-marital counseling, thereby hoping for a prevention of upcoming β-Thalassemia
Majors.
