CORRELATION OF IRON STUDY PARAMETERS WITH MORPHOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION OF ANEMIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN NORTH INDIA
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Keywords
Anemia; Iron studies; Serum ferritin; Morphological classification; Microcytic anemia; TIBC; Transferrin saturation
Abstract
Background: Anemia is a major global health concern with diverse etiologies. Morphological classification based on red blood cell indices provides an initial diagnostic framework, while iron studies offer insight into underlying biochemical abnormalities. Understanding the correlation between these approaches can enhance diagnostic accuracy.
Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between iron study parameters and morphological types of anemia in patients attending a tertiary care hospital in North India.
Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 86 patients diagnosed with anemia between April 2017 and September 2017. Morphological classification was performed using red cell indices and peripheral smear examination. Iron studies, including serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation, were measured using standard laboratory methods. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 16.0, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Microcytic anemia was the most common morphological type (51.2%), followed by normocytic (32.6%) and macrocytic anemia (16.2%). Microcytic anemia showed significantly lower serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation, along with higher TIBC compared to other types (p<0.001). A strong association was observed between low serum ferritin levels and microcytic anemia, whereas normocytic and macrocytic anemia were associated with normal to elevated ferritin levels. Transferrin saturation was also significantly lower in microcytic anemia (p<0.001). These findings indicate a significant correlation between iron study parameters and morphological classification.
Conclusion:There is a strong correlation between iron study parameters and morphological types of anemia. Integrating these diagnostic modalities enhances accuracy and supports effective clinical management.
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Dr. Fauzia Perveen
Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dr. Nadia Farah Jeelani
Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India.
Dr. Neeta Binwani
Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Sarfarazganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
