Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) and Hb% in the Detection of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnant Women

Abstract

Background: Detection of iron deficiency early during pregnancy is essential for correct management. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a new routine parameter in fully automated hematology analyzer that can give the idea of early iron deficiency before Hb%. This study was aimed to see the role of red cell distribution width and Hb% in determining early iron deficiency in pregnant women.Methods: In this study 190 pregnant women were included. CBC including Hb% and RDW and iron profile were done. RDW were compared with Hb% in various stages of iron deficiency.Results: RDW was more significant than Hb level in latent iron deficiency when Hb level was normal (p<0.05). In mild and moderate iron deficiency anemia, RDW was increased progressively though Hb level was reduced. In this study RDW had sensitivity 82.3% and specificity 97.4%. Whereas Hb level had sensitivity 56.6% and specificity 90.9% for iron deficiency.Conclusion: Latent iron deficiency without other complicating disease could be screened out early by increased RDW when Hb% was normal.Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 9, No. 2: Jul 2018, P 137-141

High Level of Hemoglobin, White Blood Cells and Obesity Among Sudanese Women in Early Pregnancy: a Cross-Sectional Study

“…However, as according to WHO reports, the dominant type of anemia among pregnant women is iron deficiency [33], this limitation should be relatively minor. As an alternative to measuring serum ferritin, we relied on red cell distribution width, one of the components of the hemogram, as it is considered to be an inflammatory marker and a substitute for serum ferritin in diagnosing iron deficiency anemia [34]. Moreover, our previous studies showed no association between anemia and C-reactive protein [35].…”

The diagnostic and prognostic value of red cell distribution width in cardiovascular disease; current status and prospective

“…8 Inflammation inhibits erythropoietin and RBC production as well as reducing the survival of RBCs by damaging RBC memberane and increasing fragility because of increased oxidative stress. 9 Moreover, deficiencies of iron, 10 vitamin B12, 11 and folate 12 are considered as the main factors, which are directly related to the nutritional status. Other clinical conditions, which can increase RDW, are hemolytic anemia and sickle cell anemia are hematological diseases.…”

Usefulness of Relative Hypochromia in Risk Stratification for Nonanemic Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

“…Since MCHC is a direct assessment of the amount of Hb incorporated into the erythrocytes, MCHC may serve as a reliable and readily accessible indicator of erythrocyte iron load, 11-13,21 that has a high specificity (up to 96%) in detecting iron deficiency. 21 Iron is involved in multiple physiologic functions including oxygen transport (Hb), oxygen storage (myoglobin), oxidative metabolism (mitochondrial oxidative enzymes), 7,22 antioxidant activity (ferritin, myoglobin), and also is involved in the synthesis and degradation of lipids, carbohydrates and nucleotides.…”

“…21 Iron is involved in multiple physiologic functions including oxygen transport (Hb), oxygen storage (myoglobin), oxidative metabolism (mitochondrial oxidative enzymes), 7,22 antioxidant activity (ferritin, myoglobin), and also is involved in the synthesis and degradation of lipids, carbohydrates and nucleotides. 4,7,22 Traditionally, iron deficiency is only considered important in presence of anemia.…”

“…27 Routine monitoring of blood iron levels in all HF patients is costly. By using erythrocyte indices (such as MCHC in our study) as a surrogate marker of iron deficiency (both absolute and functional), 10,14,21,27 high risk patients who might benefit from further iron studies/replacement therapy could be identified.…”