Application of Hematological Indices for the Differential Diagnosis of Beta Thalassemia Trait and Iron Deficiency Anemia

Abstract

Objective: To apply various hematological indices for the differential diagnosis of ß-Thalassemia trait (ß-TT) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Methodology: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted at Dar-ul-Sehat Hospital, Gulistan -e- Johar, Karachi. We retrospectively analyzed complete blood count (CBC) of 2480 patients, who came to the OPD for various problems during the year 2014 from January to December so as to identify hypochromic microcytic patients. Mentzer’s index (MI), Shine and Lal index (S and L index) and Ehsani’s formula were applied on the CBC report of identified microcytic hypochromic patients. Results: It was found that among a total of 2840 patients, 385 (13.55%) patients were suffering from hypochromic microcytic anemia identified on their CBC report. These included 44 males (6.74%), 300 females (33.33%) and 41 (14.48%) children. Application of Mentzer’s index (MI), Shine and Lal index (S and L index) and Ehsani’s formula screened the hypochromic microcytic patients into patients suffering from ß-Thalassemia trait and Iron deficiency Anemia. Conclusion: Application of hematological indices can be taken as the most useful method for differentiating ß-TT from IDA by simply considering CBC report