Role of Mentzer index for differentiating iron deficiency anemia and beta thalassemia trait in pregnant women

Tabassum, Shagufta and Khakwani, Mehnaz and Fayyaz, Asiya and Taj, Nadia (2022) Role of Mentzer index for differentiating iron deficiency anemia and beta thalassemia trait in pregnant women. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 38 (4). ISSN 1682-024X

[thumbnail of 4635-Article Text-36272-2-10-20220315.pdf] Text
4635-Article Text-36272-2-10-20220315.pdf - Published Version

Download (351kB)

Abstract

Objective: To observe the role of Mentzer index for differentiating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and beta thalassemia trait (β TT) in pregnant women.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Gynaecology & Obstetrics Department of Nishtar Medical University from October 2020 to March 2021. Non-consecutive sampling was applied. A total of 100 antenatal ladies with hemoglobin <11 gm/dl were included. Their complete blood counts were checked and Mentzer Index was calculated. Mentzer Index <13 points to diagnosis of β TT and >13 indicates IDA. The diagnoses were confirmed by serum iron studies and Hb electrophoresis. The sensitivity and specificity of Mentzer Index for both causes of microcytic hypochromic anemia was calculated.

Results: Out of total 100 patients with microcytic hypochromic anemia, 87 had Mentzer Index >13 and IDA was confirmed in 86 out of 87 cases. Thirteen cases had Mentzer Index <13 and β TT was confirmed in eight of them. Thus, Mentzer Index has a sensitivity and specificity of 91% & 83% for IDA and 83% & 91% for β TT.

Conclusion: In this study, it was found that Mentzer Index can be used as a discriminatory test to differentiate between iron deficiency anemia and beta thalassemia trait. The high risk group can then be subjected to definitive diagnostic tests. This can result in better patient compliance and cost effectiveness.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Science Global Plos > Medical Science
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email support@science.globalplos.com
Date Deposited: 08 Apr 2023 09:15
Last Modified: 14 Mar 2024 04:45
URI: http://ebooks.manu2sent.com/id/eprint/500

Actions (login required)

View Item
View Item