Discriminatory Ability of Hemoglobin and Red Cell Indices in Differentiating Iron Deficiency Anemia and Beta-Thalassemia Trait in a Rural Population Of Sindh: Hemoglobin and Red Cell Indices in IDA and Beta-Thalassemia Trait

Marvi Shaikh; Kiran Memon; Maleeha Memon; Faiza Aftab; Ashok Kumar; Mehnaz Kashif; Jagadeesh Dhamodharan

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v7i9.3747

Authors

Marvi Shaikh Department of Biochemistry, Indus Medical College, The University of Modern Sciences, Tando Muhammad Khan, Pakistan
Kiran Memon Department of Pathology, Indus Medical College, The University of Modern Sciences, Tando Muhammad Khan, Pakistan
Maleeha Memon Department of Pathology, Indus Medical College, The University of Modern Sciences, Tando Muhammad Khan, Pakistan
Faiza Aftab Department of Forensic Medicine, Indus Medical College, The University of Modern Sciences, Tando Muhammad Khan, Pakistan
Ashok Kumar Department of Pathology, Indus Medical College, The University of Modern Sciences, Tando Muhammad Khan, Pakistan
Mehnaz Kashif Department of Community Medicine, Indus Medical College, The University of Modern Sciences, Tando Muhammad Khan, Pakistan
Jagadeesh Dhamodharan Department of Anatomy, AIMST University, Kedah, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v7i9.3747

Keywords:

Hemoglobin, Red Cell Indices, Iron Deficiency, Anemia, Beta Thalassemia Trait, Rural Sindh, Discriminatory Ability

Abstract

Anemia is a significant health issue in Pakistan, especially in the rural regions where nutritional deficiencies are prevalent. In resource-constrained environments such as rural Sindh, new diagnostic tests are very expensive. Thus, red cell indices that are readily available and easy to use can provide a viable and cost-effective method of distinguishing the types of anemia. Objective: To assess the most appropriate diagnostic indicators of hemoglobin and red cell distribution indices to distinguish the type of anemia in patients of the rural population of Sindh. Methods: A Cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Indus Medical College and Hospital, the University of Modern Sciences, Tando Muhammad Khan, Sindh, Pakistan. 254 patients who were suspected of having anemia were enrolled. The parameters of complete blood count, such as hemoglobin, RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and RDW, were assessed using an automated hematology analyzer. Results: Among 254 participants, 44.90% had normal hemoglobin levels, 20.50% had iron deficiency anemia (IDA), 5.10% had beta thalassemia trait (BTT), 26.40% other etiologies of anemia, and 3.10% severe anemia. The average level of hemoglobin in males (12.26 ± 2.18 g/dL) was much greater than in females (10.58 ± 2.04 g/dL, p<0.001). The discriminatory index of the RBC showed a very good ability to distinguish between IDA and BTT, with MCV, MCH, and RDWI showing significant differences. Conclusion: The red cell distribution indices are accurate, inexpensive, and easily accessible parameters that can be used to distinguish between the various types of anemia in resource-constrained rural areas.

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