Screening for Thalassemia Carriers in Populations with a High Rate of Iron Deficiency: Revisiting the Applicability of the Mentzer Index and the Effect of Iron Deficiency on Hb A2 Levels. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Amid, Ali; Haghi-Ashtiani, Bahram; Kirby-Allen, Melanie; Haghi-Ashtiani, Mohammad Taghi
• Is Part Of: Hemoglobin. Volume 39:Number 2(2015)
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Hemoglobinopathy -- Periodicals; Hemoglobin -- Periodicals; Hematology -- Periodicals; Thalassemia -- Periodicals; Blood -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 612.1111
• DOI: 10.3109/03630269.2015.1024321
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-0269

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Differentiating between β-thalassemia (β-thal) minor and iron deficiency has important implications in thalassemia carrier screening. Several complete blood count (CBC)-based equations have been proposed for differentiating these two conditions. The applicability of these equations in populations with high rates of iron deficiency and β-thal minor, where patients can have both conditions, is limited. In addition, there have been conflicting reports on the possible effect of iron deficiency on Hb A₂ level with possible consequences for thalassemia screening programs. Here, we demonstrate that in our population the Mentzer Index separates individuals with β-thal minor from those without β-thal minor, regardless of their iron status. Iron deficiency also does not reduce Hb A₂ levels in β-thal minor patients. Correction of iron deficiency is not required for diagnosis of β-thal minor using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).</p> </abstract>