Prevalence and pattern of iron deficiency and its correlation with different hematological parameters in a segment of patients coming to a tertiary care hospital in Lahore

Abstract

Background: Iron is an essential micronutrient, abundantly present in nature. Very low quantities of iron are required in our daily diet to prevent its deficiency. But paradoxically, its deficiency is very common all around the world. In keeping with its wide and varied functions in the body, the deficiency of iron also has multiple manifestations. This study aimed to study the prevalence and pattern of iron deficiency in a segment of our population. The effect on various hematological parameters was also studied.
 Materials and Methods: Fifty cases including both genders and all ages were included in the study. The parameters analyzed were iron status and hematological indices. The status of serum iron levels was compared with total iron binding capacity (TIBC). Blood examination included total leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count, hemoglobin level, total RBC count, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelet count. The correlation of serum iron levels with the different hematological indices was analyzed.
 Results: Iron deficiency was even more prevalent than previously reported (70%). It was seen in both genders and all age groups. Only the elderly male group showed a mean that was in the normal range. Females were affected more severely than males in all age groups. Red cell indices showed expected correlation with serum iron levels. Platelet counts showed an increase with falling iron levels.
 Discussion: Iron deficiency continues to be rampant despite decades of public health measures to correct it. Iron deficiency anemia impacts multiple body functions with a myriad of health consequences. The ensuing symptoms are those classically related to anemia as well as some that are both unexpected and hard to explain. Increase in platelet count seen in iron deficiency carries the risk of creation of a thrombogenic state. The factors contributing to iron deficiency need to be identified and addressed.
 Key words: Serum iron levels, Complete Blood Count, iron deficiency, platelet count.