Evaluation of a Modified Hematological Index to Differentiate between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Beta-Thalassemia Minor

Abstract

ron deficiency anemia and beta thalassemia minor have a high prevelance in our country Egypt. Both are microcytic hypochromic anemia and mostly asymptomatic. It is essential to differentiate both types of anemia to avoid consequences of iron deficiency anemia if not treated and also to avoid unnecessary iron therpy and give proper genetic councilling for patients with thalassemia minor. A cross sectional study was conducted including 110 patients with microcytic hypochromic anemia divided into three groups: 50 patients with beta thalassemia minor, 50 patients with iron deficiency anemia and 10 patients with combined beta thalassemia minor and iron deficiency anemia enrolled from Ain Shams University pediatrics hospital between December 2016 and June 2017 with the aim of finding a reliable index to discriminate between iron deficiency anemia and beta thalassemia minor by the complete blood picture only as a screening method to avoid money and time consumption. All patients were subjected to detailed history and physical examination including age, sex, order of birth, consanguinity, family history, clinical presentation suggestive of anemia or hemolysis; e.g. pallor, jaundice, hepatosplenomegally, urine discoloration and history of blood transfusion. Furthermore, complete blood picture was done to all the patients, in addition to complete iron profile; serum iron