Reticulocyte maturity indices in iron deficiency anemia

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze the reticulocyte maturity indices (low, medium, and high fluorescence ratios) in iron deficient 1- to 6-year-old children, and identify the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in this population.MethodsThe present study included 39 subjects, divided into two groups: control subjects (n = 33), and subjects with iron deficiency anemia (n = 6). The results were analyzed by Student’s t-test for comparison of means. Differences were considered significant when two-tailed p-value < 0.05.ResultsSubjects with iron deficiency anemia presented increases in the proportion of mean (10.3 ± 4.7% us. 6.0 ± 3.4%; p-value = 0.003), and high fluorescence reticulocytes (2.3 ± 0.87% vs. 0.9 ± 0.9%; p-value = 0.03) compared to the control group. The prevalence of anemia in this population was 15% (n = 6).ConclusionThe indices related to immaturity of reticulocytes are higher in the presence of iron deficiency, thus demonstrating a deficiency in the raw material to form hemoglobin and are, therefore, possible early markers of iron deficiency and anemia. We emphasize the need to standardize these indices for use in clinical practice and lab test results.© 2014 Associação Brasileira de Hematologia, Hemoterapia e Terapia Celular. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

The Shape Shifting Story of Reticulocyte Maturation

“…Based on brilliant Cresyl blue staining patterns, four stages were identified in the circulation: group I, group II, group III, and group IV ( Heilmeyer and Westhäuser, 1932 ). Implementation of flow cytometry methods and use of Thiazole Orange (TO) to visualize RNA provided a more advanced reticulocyte maturity index classification system ( Davis et al, 1995 ; Choi and Pai, 2001 ; Wollmann et al, 2014 ). This system, however, is proven to be inaccurate in certain conditions.…”

Study of red cell indices and reticulocyte count in person with anemia at a tertiary care hospital of Kathmandu

“…Different range of reticuolyte count was seen in anemia according to the severity in a study done by Rairikar et al 1 Studies had shown that the reticulocyte counts were usually increased in microcytic hypochromic (iron deficiency anemia). 2,5,9 The reticulocyte count indicate different aspects of erythropoietic control, balance of production of red cells in relation to their rate of destruction. 10 The reticulocyte is also increased in the recovery from a iron deficiency anemia or recovery of erythropoeisis after bone marrow suppression.…”

“…2,3 Reticulocytes are the non nucleated immature erythroid cells in the peripheral blood that are in a discrete penultimate phase of maturation. 8,9 The reticulocytes percentage in the peripheral blood is an indication of the rapidity of red cell turnover if the patient is in a steady state. 8,10 A low reticulocyte percentage reflects a marrow unable to compensate for anemia and a high reticulocyte percentage reflects a marrow that is attempting to compensate for red cell destruction or recovering from anemia.…”

Evaluation of Red Cell Indices and Reticulocyte Maturity Indices Including Reticulocyte Haemoglobin Concentration in Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Adult Female Population

“…These indices, which require standardisation and definition of reference values are yet to be used in the clinical practice. 5 The reticulocytes can be further classified into three groups according to the maturity of reticulocytes based on intracellular RNA levels measured by fluorescence intensity, Low Fluorescence Ratio (LFR), Medium Fluorescence Ratio (MFR) and High Fluorescence Ratio (HFR). 6 In more severe anaemia, the maturation time of reticulocytes in the medulla decreases and an increased number of immature reticulocytes are released into the peripheral blood, which remain more than 48 hours in the peripheral blood until they turn into red blood cells.…”