MENTZER INDEX AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR SCREENING THALASSEMIC PATIENTS AND DIFFERENTIATING IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA FROM THALASSEMIA

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the reliability of Mentzer index in the differentiation of iron deficiency anemia and beta-Thalassemia trait. Materials & Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in five different primary schools of district Peshawar. Sample collected were processed in pathology department of Khyber Teaching hospital and Khyber Medical College Peshawar. Duration of the study was six months which was started from june 2017 to December 2017 in which 500 blood samples were analysed. Permission from the parents were obtained through principles of the schools. The samples were obtained keeping full aseptic conditions and collected in EDTA anticoagulant tubes. Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC and platelet RBC count along with RDW, were assessed on a Sysmex Hematology Analyzer. Peripheral smear of the participants with low Hb(<11gm/dl) and low MCV (<80fl) were examined to look for morphology of RBCs. Serum iron (SI), serum iron binding capacity, serum ferritin was estimated using Cobas of the participants who had hypochromic microcytic blood picture on peripheral smear. Results: The participants in this study were both male (260) and female (240). Minimum age of the participants was 3.5 years and maximum age was 8 years. Minimum Hb was 7.6mg/dl and maximum Hb was 10.8 mg/dl with average Hb of 9.2mg/dl. All the paticipants had MCV below 80fl with minimum MCV of 50fl and maximum MCV of 80fl. RBC count was between 2.2 million and 6.2 million. The participants in this study were both male (260) and female (240). Minimum age of the participants was 3.5 years and maximum age was 8 years. Minimum Hb was 7.6mg/ dl and maximum Hb was 10.8 mg/dl with average Hb of 9.2mg/dl. All the paticipants had MCV below 80fl with minimum MCV of 50fl and maximum MCV of 80fl. RBC count was between 2.2 million and 6.2 million. Conclusion: Mentzer index can be used as initial screening tool in the diagnosis of IDA and beta thalassemia major.