title: Evaluation of a new classification system for anemias using Consult Learning System.
abstract: Since the advent of electronic particle counting, anemias have customarily been classified by evaluating cell size (MCV) and hemoglobin content (MCH). Recently a new parameter estimating red cell size heterogeneity (the 'red cell distribution width' or 'RDW') has been introduced. We have evaluated a proposed classification of anemias based upon this new parameter in a large group of hospitalized patients utilizing an expert system based upon statistical pattern recognition and compared our results to other studies. The potential advantages of using such a system over currently existing uni-dimensional classification systems to evaluate clinical problems are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000740:Anemia / Q000097:blood / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis; D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D004909:Erythrocyte Indices; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems