Mentzer Index for Differential Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency anaemia and Beta Thalassemia Trait
Journal Title: Journal of Medical Science And clinical Research - Year 2016, Vol 4, Issue 12
Abstract
indhis, kachchis, gujratis, Lohana, Prajapatiand Bengalis. The individuals having thalassemia trait usually have asymptomatic course and usually have mild microcytic hypochromic anemia. Since the other cause of microcytic anemia is iron deficiency anemia it is important to differentiate between individuals having iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia trait. Though the definitive diagnosis of thalassemia trait is possible only by Hb electrophoresis there are certain blood indices which can differentiate between thalassemia trait and Iron deficiency anemia. Mentzer index is such an index. The aim of our study was to evaluate the reliability of Mentzer index in the differentiation of iron deficiency anemia and Thalassemia trait. Methods: This study was a prospective study done on 30 patients each of thalassemia trait and iron deficiency anemia (Total 60 patients). Only those patients who have been found to be having iron deficiency anemia by iron studies and cases of thalassemia trait who have been diagnosed by Hb electrophoresis were included in this study. Those patients who have received blood transfusion within 3 months of study were excluded from the study. Mentzer index of all the patients were calculated and the results were analyzed. Results: Mentzer index more than 13 (indicating iron deficiency anemia) and less than 13 (indicating thalassemia) is found to be a reliable screening tool to differentiate in between iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia. Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia have different effects on blood indices. In resource poor and developing countries like that of India it can be used as screening tool. In doubtful cases the diagnosis can be confirmed by Hb Electrophoresis.
Authors and Affiliations
Dr Ajeet Gopchade
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP210303
- DOI -
- Views 77
- Downloads 0
A Profile Study of Patients with Periarthritis Shoulder
Background: Periarthritis (PA) shoulder is a common disabling condition of shoulder. The clinical presentation of illness and factors influencing this condition need to be studied meticulously. This evaluation is pre-req...
A Study of Psychiatric Co-Morbidity in Patients Suffering from Thyroid Dysfunction
Introduction: The association between thyroid function and mental health has been long recognized. Both excess and insufficient thyroid hormones can cause significant anxiety and depression. AIM: We aimed at finding out...
Spirometric Assessment of Pulmonary Function in Non Smoker Patients of Coronary Artery Disease and/or Hypertension and Comparison with Healthy Subjects
Coronary artery disease and hypertension are major health problems in today’s world. Recently lot of interest has been generated regarding the possible systemic and pulmonary effects of the pervasive low grade inflammati...
Para Spinal Mass with Multiple Differential Diagnosis- A Case report
A paraspinal mass may be caused by large number of conditions including an abscess, non specific lesions and benign & malignant conditions involving mesenchymal/soft tissues. The diagnosis of many such lesions may be don...
Evaluating the Accuracy of Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Renal Masses
Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy of Computed Tomography in differentiation of benign and malignant renal masses. Methodology: Aprospective study was conducted in the Department of Radio diagnosis, Govt. Medical Colle...