Laboratory parameters in differential diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia and chronic infections anemia among children

Abstract

Objective. Aim of this study were to establish laboratory parameters of sideropenic and secondary anemia among children. Methods. From December 1, 2010 to January 31, 2011, 35 children with sideropenic anemia, 35 children with anemia of chronic disease and 35 healthy children were recruited in Hematology infirmary of Pediatric Clinic of Clinical Centre Kragujevac. All children underwent following analyses: count of leukocytes (Le), erythrocytes (Er), platelets (Tr), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), serum iron (Fe), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) and ferritin. For data processing we used t-test, with probability threshold p =<0.05. Results. Leukocytes count values were increased in group with secondary anemia compared to control and sideropenic anemia. Erythrocytes count values showed no difference between groups as well as Hb, Hct, MCHC, Tr and serum Fe between groups, but there was a difference between groups with anemia compared to control group. Values of MCV and MCH differed between groups, with the highest ones in controls, and the lowest value in sideropenic anemia group. Values of RDW, TIBC and UIBC were increased in group with sideropenic anemia, compared to control and secondary anemia group. Ferritin differed between groups, with the highest value in secondary anemia group and the lowest value in sideropenic anemia group. Conclusion: Valid laboratory parameters in differential diagnosis of sideropenic and secondary anemia are Le, MCV, MCH, RDW, TIBC, UIBC and ferritin.