title: Coexisting iron deficiency anemia and Beta thalassemia trait: effect of iron therapy on red cell parameters and hemoglobin subtypes.
abstract: Background. Coexistence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and beta thalassemia trait (BTT) has been the topic of few studies. However, no study from our country was found evaluating the effect of iron therapy in patients with concomitant IDA and BTT. Methods. Over a period of two years, 30 patients with concomitant IDA and BTT were included. All the patients had a complete blood count, serum iron studies, and thalassemia screening using BIORADTM hemoglobin testing system. The patients received oral iron therapy in appropriate dosages for a period of twenty weeks, after which all the investigations were repeated. Appropriate statistical methods were applied for comparison of pre- and posttherapy data. Results. All except two patients were adults with a marked female preponderance. Oral iron therapy led to statistically significant improvement in hemoglobin, red cell indices (P < 0.05), and marked change in serum iron, ferritin, and HbA2 levels (P < 0.001). There was a significant reduction in the total iron binding capacity levels. Conclusion. The present study shows the frequent occurrence of iron deficiency anemia in patients with beta thalassemia trait, which can potentially confound the diagnosis of the latter. Hence, iron deficiency should be identified and rectified in patients with suspicion of beta thalassemia trait.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Hindu Rao Hospital, Malka Ganj, Delhi 110007, India.
authors.forename: Sarika
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Verma
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India.
authors.forename: Ruchika
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Hindu Rao Hospital, Malka Ganj, Delhi 110007, India.
authors.forename: Madhur
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kudesia
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Hindu Rao Hospital, Malka Ganj, Delhi 110007, India.
authors.forename: Alka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mathur
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Hindu Rao Hospital, Malka Ganj, Delhi 110007, India.
authors.forename: Gopal
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Krishan
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Hindu Rao Hospital, Malka Ganj, Delhi 110007, India.
authors.forename: Sompal
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Singh