The platelet count/mean corpuscular hemoglobin ratio distinguishes combined iron and vitamin B12 deficiency from uncomplicated iron deficiency.
Combined deficiencies of iron and cobalamin are common. The aims of this study were to investigate the significance of the parameters of the complete blood count (CBC) in differentiating microcytic anemia due to pure iron deficiency anemia (IDA) from anemia due to combined deficiencies of vitamin B(12) and iron (IDA-B12). The study was carried out with 122 patients (100 female) who had microcytic red blood cell indices with IDA-B12 and 105 patients (95 female) with IDA. Group IDA-B12 patients had decreased hemoglobin levels, mean corpuscular volumes, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) levels, and MCH concentrations but had increased platelet counts (PLT). Using these parameters, we developed a PLT/MCH ratio parameter that has high values when IDA is accompanied by cobalamin deficiency. The cutoff value of >12.00, with a 74.6% sensitivity and a 41.9% specificity, appears to be the most convenient value for screening. We advise measuring the levels of cobalamin in patients with IDA associated with a high PLT/MCH ratio.
Beyan
Cengiz
C
Department of Hematology, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, 06010 Etlik-Ankara, Turkey. cengizbeyan@hotmail.com
Kaptan
Kürşat
K
Beyan
Esin
E
Turan
Mustafa
M
D000328:Adult; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004909:Erythrocyte Indices; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*