A study of bone marrow iron storage in hematological disorder

Abstract

Background: Study of marrow in iron deficiency anemia is very much essential, and it helps to decide whether iron therapy would be of any use or not. Where sophisticated instruments and facilities are not available for measuring iron in the blood by chemical method, this simple technique, is efficient, cost-effective, and result oriented. Aim: The aim was to study the marrow finding in various blood disorders. To establish the fact old is gold as bone marrow iron store by Prussian blue stain still has its stand in hematology in era of genetic engineering markers study and ferrokinetic study. Materials and Methods: Bone marrow aspiration was performed in 73 patients. Marrow films were stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain, observed and then submitted for Prussian blue stain. Results: In a study of iron deficiency anemia 92.7% of cases received iron store grade in marrow in range of 0-1 (P = 0.001). In megaloblastic anemia, 70% of cases received in the range of 3-4 (P = 0.164), whereas all cases of dimorphic anemia received in the range of 2-3 (P = 0.000) when compared to the normal range of 1-2. Conclusion: Prussian blue stain is simple and helpful technique to see and measure body iron store semi-quantitatively. Furthermore, it helps to decide whether iron therapy would be useful or not.