Author/Authors :
Niazi, Mussarrat Khyber Medical College, PGMI - Khyber Girls Medical College, Pakistan , Niazi, Mussarrat Thalassemia Prevention Program, Pakistan , Tahir, Mohammad Khyber Medical College, PGMI - Khyber Girls Medical College, Pakistan , Tahir, Mohammad Thalassemia Prevention Program, Pakistan , Fazal e Raziq Khyber Medical College, PGMI - Khyber Girls Medical College, Pakistan , Fazal e Raziq Thalassemia Prevention Program, Pakistan , Abdul Hameed Khyber Medical College, PGMI - Khyber Girls Medical College, Pakistan , Abdul Hameed Thalassemia Prevention Program, Pakistan
Abstract :
Background: Iron Deficiency Anemia and beta-thalassemia trait are the two most common causes of micro¬cytic hypochromic anemia. In this study we compared the validity of the various indices to differentiate between these two conditions.Material Methods: A total of 312 patients from 7th December 2007 to 4th April 2009 were studied retrospectively by calculating seven discrimination indices i.e. Mentzer, Shine Lal, Srivastava, England Fraser, Ricerca, Green King and Red cell Distribution Width Index (RDWI). The study included 213 BTT cases ( HbA2 3.5% and 8.0%) and 89 non BTT cases (HbA2 3.5%). The number of correctly identified cases were determined and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and Youden index of each discrimination index were calculated.Results: None of the discrimination index showed 100% sensitivity and specificity. The percentage correctly diagnosed is highest for RDWI (88.14%) followed by Mentzer index (86.85%). Youden index is also highest for RDWI (72) and Shine Lal (72) followed by Mentzer (70).Conclusion: RDWI, Mentzer and Shine Lal are the most reliable formulae in discrimination between iron deficiency anemia and beta-thalassemia trait
Keywords :
Red cell indices , Microcytic anemia , Beta , thalassemia trait , Iron deficiency
