Higher Mean Corpuscular Volume Research Articles

Do all the patients with vitamin B12 deficiency have pernicious anemia?

Vitamin B12 deficiency may result in pernicious anemia (PA). This study evaluated whether all the patients with vitamin B12 deficiency had PA. The blood hemoglobin (Hb), iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and homocysteine concentrations and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in 90 vitamin B12-deficient patients were measured and compared with the corresponding data in 180 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. PA was defined by World Health Organization (WHO) as having an Hb concentration <13 g/dl for men and <12 g/dl for women, an MCV ≧ 100 fl, a serum vitamin B12 level <200 pg/ml, and serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity. We found that 35 (38.9%) and 20 (22.2%) patients with vitamin B12 deficiency had deficiencies of Hb (men <13 g/dl, women <12 g/dl) and iron (<60 μg/dl), respectively. Moreover, 65 (72.2%) and 37 (41.1%) patients with vitamin B12 deficiency had abnormally high blood homocysteine level (>12.7 μM) and high MCV (≧100 fl), respectively. In addition, 43 (47.8%) vitamin B12-deficient patients with had GPCA positivity. Patients with vitamin B12 deficiency had a significantly higher frequency of Hb or iron deficiency, of abnormally elevated blood homocysteine level or high MCV, and of GPCA positivity than healthy control subjects (all P-values < 0.001). However, only 17 (18.9%) of 90 vitamin B12-deficient patients were diagnosed as having PA by the WHO definition. Only 18.9% of patients with vitamin B12 deficiency are discovered to have PA by the WHO definition.

Association of the dispersion in red blood cell volume with mortality.

The red cell distribution width (RDW) predicts mortality among many populations. RDW is calculated as the standard deviation (SD) of the red blood cell (RBC) volume divided by mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Because higher MCV also predicts mortality, we hypothesized that the RDW numerator (one SD of RBC volume or 1SD-RDW) predicts mortality more strongly than the RDW. Adult subjects hospitalized during a contemporary clinical era (10/2005-1/2014, N = 135,963) and a historical era (1/1999-9/2005, N = 119,530) were studied. The RDW was obtained from the complete blood count (CBC), while 1SD-RDW was calculated (RDW multiplied by MCV and divided by 100). In univariable Cox regression (2005-2014 cohort), 1SD-RDW (quintile 5 vs. 1: hazard ratio [HR] = 8.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.94, 8.85; P < 0.001) was a superior predictor of mortality compared to RDW (quintile 5 vs. 1: HR = 4.78, CI = 4.57, 5.00; P < 0.001). This superiority remained after adjustment for age, sex, basic metabolic profile components and other CBC factors excluding MCV (1SD-RDW: HR = 2.41, CI = 2.28, 2.55; RDW: HR = 2.01, CI = 1.92, 2.11). Further adjustment for MCV strengthened the RDW association (HR = 2.14, CI = 2.04, 2.24; P < 0.001), becoming indistinct from 1SD-RDW (HR = 2.20, CI = 2.08, 2.33; P < 0.001). Findings were similar for the 1999-2005 cohort. The 1SD-RDW predicted mortality more strongly than RDW, suggesting that 1SD-RDW is superior to RDW as an individual risk predictor. Further, these results indicate that the dispersion of RBC volume and its mean are independent risk markers. Further research is required to understand the clinical value and mechanistic basis of these associations.

Blood profile of oral mucosal disease patients with both vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies.

Vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies lead to macrocytosis [mean corpuscular volume (MCV)≥100fL] and microcytosis (MCV<80fL), respectively. This study evaluated anemic status, MCV, serum homocysteine level, and serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) level in oral mucosal disease patients with both vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies. The blood hemoglobin (Hb), iron, vitamin B12, folic acid and homocysteine concentrations, MCV, and serum GPCA in 149 patients with both vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies were measured and compared with the corresponding data in 149 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. We found that 54 (36.2%), 16 (10.7%), 44 (29.5%), and 36 (24.2%) patients with both vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies had Hb deficiency (men <13g/dL, women <12g/dL), folic acid deficiency (≤6mg/mL), abnormally high blood homocysteine level (>12.6μM), and serum GPCA positivity, respectively. Patients with both vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies had a significantly higher frequency of Hb deficiency, abnormally elevated blood homocysteine level, and serum GPCA positivity than healthy control subjects (all p values<0.001). Of 149 patients with both vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies, 10 (6.7%) had high MCV (≥100fL), 108 (72.5%) had normal MCV (between 80fL and 99fL), and 31 (20.8%) had low MCV (<80fL). Approximately 73%, 30%, and 24% of patients with both vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies are found to have normal MCV, abnormally high blood homocysteine level, and serum GPCA positivity, respectively.

Germline mutations in ETV6 are associated with thrombocytopenia, red cell macrocytosis and predisposition to lymphoblastic leukemia.

Some familial platelet disorders are associated with predisposition to leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or dyserythropoietic anemia.1,2 We identified a family with autosomal dominant thrombocytopenia, high erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and two occurrences of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Whole exome sequencing identified a heterozygous single nucleotide change in ETV6 (Ets Variant Gene 6), c.641C>T, encoding a p.Pro214Leu substitution in the central domain, segregating with thrombocytopenia and elevated MCV. A screen of 23 families with similar phenotype found two with ETV6 mutations. One family had the p.Pro214Leu mutation and one individual with ALL. The other family had a c.1252A>G transition producing a p.Arg418Gly substitution in the DNA binding domain, with alternative splicing and exon-skipping. Functional characterization of these mutations showed aberrant cellular localization of mutant and endogenous ETV6, decreased transcriptional repression and altered megakaryocyte maturation. Our findings underscore a key role for ETV6 in platelet formation and leukemia predisposition.

A retrospective study of 1,098 blood samples with anemia from adult cats: frequency, classification, and association with serum creatinine concentration.

BackgroundFrequency and classification of anemia in terms of regeneration status and erythrocyte indices are not well described in cats.ObjectiveTo determine frequency and regenerative status of anemia in samples from adult cats, to assess the sensitivity and specificity of macrocytosis and hypochromasia for detecting regenerative anemia (RA), and to evaluate the association of anemia with increased serum creatinine concentration (SC).Study PopulationLaboratory records from 30,503 blood samples from cats (2003–2011).MethodsClinicopathologic data reviewed retrospectively. Anemia defined as hematocrit (Ht) ≤27%, red blood cell count (RBC) ≤5.5 × 106/μL and hemoglobin (Hb) ≤9.0 g/dL. RA defined by manual absolute reticulocyte count >50 × 103/μL. Macrocytosis was defined as mean corpuscular volume (MCV) >55 fL and hypochromasia as mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) <31 g/dL. Cutoff for increased serum creatinine concentration was 1.6 mg/dL.ResultsOverall, 1,098 of 30,503 blood samples (3.6%) from cats fulfilled criteria for anemia, 633 of 1,098 (57.7%) classified as nonregenerative (NRA) and 465 of 1,098 (42.3%) as regenerative. RBC, Ht, and Hb were significantly lower in the RA compared to NRA group (P < .05). Sensitivity and specificity of the combined high MCV and low MCHC to detect samples with RA were 19.5 and 90.7%. SC was increased in 572 of the 1,098 anemic samples (52.1%) and in 11,121 of 29,405 of nonanemic samples (37.8%).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMajority of anemic samples were classified as NRA. Anemia was more severe in cats with RA. Erythrocyte indices were not sensitive indicators of RA.

Improved hydroxyurea effect with the use of text messaging in children with sickle cell anemia.

In children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), hydroxyurea reduces morbidity, but adherence is frequently suboptimal. Because most families of children with SCA have access to cellular telephone services, we assessed the impact of text messaged reminders as a tool to improve adherence to hydroxyurea. All patients <19 years of age with HbSS or HbSβ(0) thalassemia who were treated with hydroxyurea at a maximal tolerated dosage (MTD) at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Comprehensive Pediatric Sickle Cell Program and who received automated text message reminders (SIMON®) were retrospectively identified. Laboratory parameters, hospitalizations, and medication possession ratios (MPR) prior to and after initiation of SIMON® were compared to assess the impact of SIMON®. Of the 97.3% of families with access to a cell phone, 91% elected to receive text message reminders. Among 55 children receiving hydroxyurea at MTD, laboratory parameters reflected waning medication compliance during the 12 months prior to SIMON®. Following initiation of SIMON®, children had higher mean corpuscular volumes, hemoglobin levels and fetal hemoglobin percentages and lower absolute reticulocyte counts and bilirubin levels, suggesting improved medication adherence. Hospitalizations were uncommon before and after SIMON®, and medication possession ratios (MPRs) were high before and after SIMON®, neither was significantly changed. SIMON® was feasible and improved hematologic parameters in children with SCA receiving hydroxyurea at a MTD. Future work will include extension of this technology to children with other chronic medical conditions who require daily use of medication.

Inaccuracy of haemoglobin A1c among HIV-infected men: effects of CD4 cell count, antiretroviral therapies and haematological parameters.

There is limited evidence that among HIV-infected patients haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values may not accurately reflect glycaemia. We assessed HbA1c discordance (observed HbA1c - expected HbA1c) and associated factors among HIV-infected participants in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). Fasting glucose (FG) and HbA1c were measured at each semi-annual MACS visit since 1999. All HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected men for whom at least one FG and HbA1c pair measurement was available were evaluated. Univariate median regression determined the association between HbA1c and FG by HIV serostatus. The relationship between HbA1c and FG in HIV-uninfected men was used to determine the expected HbA1c. Generalized estimating equations determined factors associated with the Hb1Ac discordance among HIV-infected men. Clinically significant discordance was defined as observed HbA1c - expected HbA1c ≤-0.5%. Over 13 years, 1500 HIV-uninfected and 1357 HIV-infected men were included, with a median of 11 visits for each participant. At an FG of 125 mg/dL, the median HbA1c among HIV-infected men was 0.21% lower than among HIV-uninfected men and the magnitude of this effect increased with FG >126 mg/dL. Sixty-three percent of HIV-infected men had at least one visit with clinically significant HbA1c discordance, which was independently associated with: low CD4 cell count (<500 cells/mm(3)); a regimen containing a protease inhibitor, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or zidovudine; high mean corpuscular volume; and abnormal corpuscular haemoglobin. HbA1c underestimates glycaemia in HIV-infected patients and its use in patients with risk factors for HbA1c discordance may lead to under-diagnosis and to under-treatment of established diabetes mellitus.

Markers of inflammation and activation of coagulation are associated with anaemia in antiretroviral-treated HIV disease.

The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between inflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)] and coagulation (D-dimer) biomarkers and the presence and type of anaemia among HIV-positive individuals. A cross-sectional study. Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART)-treated adults participating in an international HIV trial with haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) measurements at entry were categorized by presence of anaemia (haemoglobin ≤14 g/dl in men and ≤12 g/dl in women) and, for those with anaemia, by type [microcytic (MCV < 80 fl), normocytic (80-100 fl), macrocytic (>100 fl)]. We analysed the association between inflammation (IL-6 and hsCRP) and coagulation (D-dimer) and haemoglobin, controlling for demographics (age, race and sex), BMI, HIV plasma RNA levels, CD4⁺ T-cell counts (nadir and baseline), Karnofsky score, previous AIDS diagnosis, hepatitis B/C coinfection and use of zidovudine. Among 1410 participants, 313 (22.2%) had anaemia. Of these, 4.1, 27.2 and 68.7% had microcytic, normocytic and macrocytic anaemia, respectively. When compared with participants with normal haemoglobin values, those with anaemia were more likely to be older, black, male and on zidovudine. They also had lower baseline CD4⁺ T-cell counts and lower Karnofsky scores. Adjusted relative odds of anaemia per two-fold higher biomarker levels were 1.22 (P = 0.007) for IL-6, 0.99 for hsCRP (P = 0.86) and 1.35 (P < 0.001) for D-dimer. Similar associations were seen in those with normal and high MCV values. Persistent inflammation and hypercoagulation appear to be associated with anaemia. Routine measurements of haemoglobin might provide insights into the inflammatory state of treated HIV infection.

Prognostic value of preoperative mean corpuscular volume in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

To evaluate whether preoperative mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a prognostic indicator in patients with resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). A total of 298 consecutive, prospectively enrolled patients with histologically diagnosed ESCC who underwent surgery with curative intent from 2001 to 2011 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were excluded if they had previous malignant disease, distant metastasis at the time of primary treatment, a history of neoadjuvant treatment, had undergone non-radical resection, or had died of a non-tumor-associated cause. Survival status was verified in September 2011. Pathological staging was performed based on the 2010 American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria. Preoperative MCV was obtained from blood counts performed routinely within 7 d prior to surgery. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine a cutoff for preoperative MCV. The 298 patients consisted of 230 males and 68 females, with a median follow-up of 30.1 mo. ROC analysis showed an optimal cutoff for preoperative MCV of 95.6 fl. Fifty-nine patients (19.8%) had high (> 95.6 fl) and 239 (80.2%) had low (≤ 95.6 fl) preoperative MCV. Preoperative MCV was significantly associated with gender (P = 0.003), body mass index (P = 0.017), and preoperative red blood cell count (P < 0.001). The predicted 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 72%, 60% and 52%, respectively. Median OS was significantly longer in patients with low than with high preoperative MCV (27.5 mo vs 19.4 mo, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that advanced pT (P = 0.018) and pN (P < 0.001) stages, upper thoracic location (P = 0.010), lower preoperative albumin concentration (P = 0.002), and high preoperative MCV (P = 0.001) were negative prognostic factors in patients with ESCC. Preoperative MCV also stratified OS in patients with T3, N1-N3, G2-G3 and stage III tumors. Preoperative MCV is a prognostic factor in patients with ESCC.

High Mean Corpuscular Volume Is a New Indicator of Prognosis in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Accumulating evidence suggests that hematopoiesis, especially erythropoiesis, is disturbed in heart failure (HF) for many reasons. Low hemoglobin and red blood cell distribution width have emerged as prognostic indicators of HF independent of classic predictors. The prognostic implication of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in HF, however, is unknown. In this context, we investigated the relationship between MCV and prognosis of acute decompensated HF (ADHF). This retrospective cohort study consisted of 458 consecutive patients with ADHF who had emergency admission to hospital. Patients were divided into 2 groups: MCV ≤100fl (non-macrocytic group, n=400); and MCV >100fl (macrocytic group, n=58). The relationship between MCV and all-cause death was tested using Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for other predictors. Mean patient age was 72.4 years and mean MCV was 93.0±7.1fl. Hemoglobin was significantly lower in the macrocytic group than the non-macrocytic group. During the mean follow-up of 20.8 months, a total of 173 deaths (37.9%) occurred. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that all-cause death was significantly higher in the macrocytic group (log-rank P<0.0001). Cox proportional hazards analysis indicated that macrocytosis was an independent predictor of all-cause death (hazard ratio, 2.288; 95% confidence interval: 1.390-3.643; P=0.0015) after adjustment in the multivariate model. It is proposed for the first time that MCV is an independent predictor of all-cause death in patients with ADHF.

Relationship Between Mean Corpuscular Volume and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

To examine the relationship between erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and cognitive performance over time. Longitudinal. Sample from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). Eight hundred twenty-seven participants from the BLSA (mean age 67, range 50-96). Mean corpuscular volume and several other blood indices were measured, including hemoglobin, iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, folate, white blood cell count, albumin, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Cognitive performance was examined using neuropsychological measures of visual memory, verbal memory, language, attention, executive function, and global mental status. High MCV levels were significantly associated with lower global mental status even after adjusting for potential confounders. High MCV levels were also significantly associated with high rates of decline on tasks of global mental status, long delay memory, and attention, even after adjusting for potential confounders. The findings confirm a previous observation that larger erythrocytes in older adults are associated with poorer cognitive function. Anemia and inflammation do not appear to explain the relationship between MCV and cognition. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms behind this association.

Clinical and clinicopathologic abnormalities in young dogs with acquired and congenital portosystemic shunts: 93 cases (2003–2008)

To determine whether clinical and clinicopathologic data could assist differentiation of congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSSs) from acquired portosystemic shunts (APSSs) in young dogs. Retrospective case series. Dogs < 30 months of age with CPSSs (n = 62) or APSSs (31). Medical records from 3 referral centers identified 31 dogs with APSSs and 62 dogs with CPSSs diagnosed from July 2003 to July 2008. Signalment, clinical signs, physical examination, and clinicopathological data were recorded, and statistical analyses were performed to determine differences between groups. Univariable analysis showed APSS patients were older, heavier, and in poorer body condition, compared with CPSS patients. In CPSS patients, diarrhea was less prevalent, and neurologic signs were more prevalent. Ascites was more prevalent in APSS (Fisher exact test; OR, 50.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.2 to 409.7), with no significant difference in albumin concentration between groups. The logistic regression model used to assess clinicopathological parameters showed lower Hct (OR, 1.42 × 10(-12); 95% CI, 1.42 × 10(-17) to 4.0 × 10(-6)), higher mean corpuscular volume (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.50), and higher alanine aminotransferase concentrations (OR, 1.005; 95% CI, 1.001 to 1.009) were more likely in APSS patients. Several clinicopathologic differences between dogs with congenital and acquired shunts were identified; however, assessed alone, these would be unlikely to enable differentiation between the 2 conditions. Awareness of the rarity of ascites in CPSS cases should prompt recognition of a likely diagnosis of APSS, allowing the veterinarian to target further diagnostics and counsel the owner appropriately.

Low Hemoglobin A1c in Nondiabetic Adults

OBJECTIVETo identify predictors of low hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (<5.0%) and to investigate the association of low HbA1c with cause-specific mortality and risk of liver disease hospitalization.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSProspective cohort study of 13,288 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Logistic regression was used to identify cross-sectional correlates of low HbA1c, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association of low HbA1c with cause-specific mortality.RESULTSCompared with participants with HbA1c in the normal range (5.0 to <5.7%), participants with low HbA1c were younger, less likely to smoke, had lower BMI, lower white cell count and fibrinogen levels, and lower prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and history of coronary heart disease. However, this group was more likely to have anemia and had a higher mean corpuscular volume. In adjusted Cox models with HbA1c of 5.0 to <5.7% as the reference group, HbA1c <5.0% was associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.13–1.55) and of cancer death (1.47, 95% CI: 1.16–1.84). We also noted nonsignificant trends toward increased risk of death from cardiovascular causes (1.27, 95% CI: 0.93–1.75) and respiratory causes (1.42, 95% CI: 0.78–2.56). There was a J-shaped association between HbA1c and risk of liver disease hospitalization.CONCLUSIONSNo single cause of death appeared to drive the association between low HbA1c and total mortality. These results add to evidence that low HbA1c values may be a generalized marker of mortality risk in the general population.

Do all the patients with gastric parietal cell antibodies have pernicious anemia?

This study evaluated whether all the patients with serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity had pernicious anemia (PA). The blood hemoglobin (Hb), iron, and vitamin B12 concentrations, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in 124 GPCA-positive patients were measured and compared with the corresponding data in 124 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. PA was defined by World Health Organization (WHO) as having an Hb concentration < 13 g dl(-1) for men and < 12 g dl(-1) for women, an MCV ≥ 100 fl, and a serum vitamin B12 level < 200 pg ml(-1) . We found that 20, 25, and 20 GPCA-positive patients had deficiencies of Hb (men < 13 g dl(-1) , women < 12 g dl(-1) ), iron (<60 μg dl(-1) ), and vitamin B12 (<200 pg ml(-1) ), respectively. Moreover, 16 GPCA-positive patients had abnormally high MCV (≥ 100 fl). GPCA-positive patients had a significantly higher frequency of Hb, iron, or vitamin B12 deficiency and of abnormally high MCV (all P-values < 0.001) than healthy controls. However, only 12.9% of 124 GPCA-positive patients were diagnosed as having PA by the WHO definition. Only 12.9% of GPCA-positive patients are discovered to have PA by the WHO definition.

Abnormal elevation of erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with maintenance pemetrexed-based chemotherapy.

e17564 Background: Pemetrexed (Pem) is commonly used as frontline +/- maintenance chemotherapy (MCTx) in patients (pts) with advanced non-squamous (ns) NSCLC. Due to Pem toxicity profile, pts can remain on therapy (tx) for prolonged periods of time. We are reporting an increase in the erythrocyte MCV without apparent clinical significance. Methods: 54 ns-NSCLC pts previously treated with Pem-based tx either as initial treatment followed by MCTx Pem alone or Pem/bevacizumab (Bev) or second line tx were analyzed for elevation of MCV from a normal baseline (80-98 fl). All pts were on daily folic acid (FA) and vitamin B12 (vitB12) supplementation at least every 3 cycles of Pem. Co-factors such as FA, vitB12, homocysteine (Hom), and methylmalonic acid (MMA) were measured on those pts still alive, on active MCTx, and available who had high MCV. Results: 54 pts were evaluable; 50 pts received platinum/Pem/Bev triplet as initial tx followed by Pem/Bev or Pem MCTx and 2 pts with Pem/Bev and Pem alone as second line, respectively. Median age: 63 yrs old (34-84); 32 pts were male and 31 pts (56%) Hispanic. 32 pts (58%) developed an elevated MCV (range: 98.1-114). For the entire cohort, median # cycles of Pem given 11 (range: 2-38). In those pts who had high MCV, the median # of Pem cycles given was 12 (range: 5-38). All pts had normal or low MCV prior to tx, but one. Unfortunately, 33 pts had progressed and are no longer on MCTx. 12 pts out of the 19 still on MCTx had high MCV. In 5/12 pts, we were able to measure their co-factor levels. All values were within normal limits. The MCVs of these 5 pts were: 101.6, 100, 102.1, 102.2, and 104.8 from baseline values of: 74.4, 89.3, 92.8, 89.7, and 89.6, respectively. Their Hbg levels were: 12.2, 13.2, 15.4, 11.4, and 11 g/dL, respectively with normal WBC (and differential) and platelets. Conclusions: Pem is an antifolate agent that is associated with folate depletion (due to TS inhibition) and macrocytosis. We are reporting here patients treated with Pem for long time with proper FA and vitB12 supplementation that have an increased MCV with no apparent signs of folate, vitB12, MMA, and Hom deficiency. This observation needs a lengthened follow-up.

Iron deficiency in Yemeni patients with sickle-cell disease

Despite the general view that patients with sickle-cell disease (SCD) have iron overload, there are reports of iron deficiency in a proportion of these patients. We studied Yemeni patients aged 1-30 years with homozygous SCD to determine their iron status using a set of 4 criteria (low serum iron, low transferrin saturation, high total iron binding capacity and low mean corpuscular volume for age). Of the 75 patients, 44 had never been transfused while 31 patients had received blood transfusions but not during the 3-month period prior to the study. Of the patients, 10 (13.3%) met the criteria for iron deficiency, 9 of whom were from the non-transfused patients (20.5%). The sensitivity and specificity were 40% and 98% respectively for reticulocyte count and 80% and 90% respectively for reticulocyte index. We recommend screening non-transfused SCD patients for iron deficiency.

Red Blood Cell Indices and Development of Hospital-Acquired Anemia During Acute Myocardial Infarction

Hospital-acquired anemia (HAA) is common, often develops in the absence of bleeding, and is associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It is unknown whether red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), which are routinely available markers of iron deficiency, are associated with development of HAA during AMI. We studied 15,133 patients with AMI without anemia at admission. HAA was defined by nadir hemoglobin levels below age-, gender-, and race-specific thresholds and moderate-severe HAA was defined as nadir hemoglobin ≤11 g/dl. We examined the association between low MCV (<80 fL) and/or increased RDW (>15%) on patients' initial complete blood cell count and moderate-severe HAA using multivariable modified Poisson regression. Moderate-severe HAA was more common in patients with high RDW and low MCV (45.5%), high RDW and MCV ≥80 fL (33.0%), and normal RDW and low MCV (28.0%) than in those with normal RDW and MCV (18.3%, p <0.001). Compared to patients with normal RDW and MCV, those with increased RDW and low MCV (relative risk 1.72, 95% confidence interval 1.57 to 1.87), increased RDW and MCV ≥80 fL (relative risk 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.16 to 1.42), or normal RDW and low MCV (relative risk 1.34, 95% confidence interval 1.08 to 1.65) were independently more likely to develop moderate-severe HAA. In conclusion, increased RDW and low MCV were independent predictors of moderate-severe HAA.

M.C.V. should not be the only criteria to order vitamin B12 for anemia under evaluation

Introduction: A strict vegetarian diet has been associated with increased risk of cobalamin deficiency therefore; one would expect a high prevalence of Cobalamin deficiency in India. Erythrocyte indices have been used in the initial evaluation of anemic patients; high Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a traditional criterion for folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies. There is no large study of the prevalence of B12 deficiency among patients with normocytosis or micro-cytosis. Method: We retrospectively analyzed the records of serum vitamin B12 and MCV of both inpatients and outpatients at Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital & Research Institute, Jaipur (Rajasthan) during the period from August 2010-April 2011. The study was aimed at identifying the correlation between vitamin B12 level and MCV; and prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in this region. Result & Conclusion: Every third person is vitamin B12 deficient in the region. There is no correlation between vitamin B12 levels and MCV in majority of the cases. MCV should not be the only criteria for ordering vitamin B12 for patients with anemia under evaluation.

A Search for Beta Thalassemia Trait in India

A Search for Beta Thalassemia Trait in India

Retinal Vessel Caliber Among People With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: Relationships With Disease-Associated Factors and Mortality

To evaluate relationships between retinal vessel caliber, AIDS-related factors, and mortality. Longitudinal, observational cohort study. We evaluated data for participants without ocular opportunistic infections at initial examination (baseline) in the Longitudinal Studies of the Ocular Complications of AIDS (1998-2008). Semi-automated evaluation of fundus photographs (1 eye/participant) determined central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE), central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE), and arteriole-to-venule ratio (AVR) at baseline. Multiple linear regression models, using forward selection, identified independent relationships between indices and various host- and disease-related variables. Included were 1250 participants. Mean follow-up for determination of mortality was 6.1 years. Smaller CRAE was related to increased age (P < .001) and hypertension (P < .001); larger CRAE was related to lower hematocrit (P = .002). Larger CRAE and CRVE were associated with black race (P < .001). Larger CRVE was related to smoking (P = .004); smaller CRVE was related to age (P < .001) and higher mean corpuscular volume (P = .001). We observed the following relationships with AIDS-associated factors: smaller CRAE and larger CRVE with history of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART; P < .001); and larger CRAE with lower CD4+ T lymphocyte count (P = .04). We did not identify independent relationships with human immunodeficiency virus RNA blood levels. There was a 12% (95% CI, 2%-21%) increase in mortality risk per quartile of decreasing AVR (P = .02). Variations in retinal vascular caliber are associated with AIDS-specific factors and are markers for increased mortality risk. Relationships are consistent with the hypothesis that the vasculature is altered by known atherogenic effects of chronic HAART or the prolonged inflammatory state associated with AIDS.