Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia Research Articles

Anemia Awareness Program in a Suburban Middle School: A Pilot Study Promoting Students as Public Health Advocates in Their Community.

Almost a quarter of the people on earth are anemic, and most of them reside in regions of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Anemia in children is linked with impaired cognitive and motor development and affects the future earning capacity. The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. The Indian Government has initiated multiple programs for the eradication of anemia. The prevalence of anemia has not decreased despite the improvements in the country's economy. It increased from 58.7% in 2015-16 to 67.1% in 2019-21 in childrenand from 50.4% in 2015-16 to 52.2% in 2019-21 in pregnant women. Maternal education, socioeconomic status, and number of children in the family are some factors that influence the prevalence of anemia. As these factors cannot be improved in a short time, we aimed to increase awareness about this issue by targeting school students from rural/semi-urban backgrounds. This pilot study aimed at promoting school students as public health advocates in their community. Anemia Awareness Program was conducted ina local middle school in the suburban area, which was attended by 153 class eight students (72 female). Pre- and post-test questionnaires comprising 20 multiple-choice/true-false type questions were used. Pre- and post-test scores were obtained. The second part of the study was the identification of students with anemia. Blood hemoglobin levels of 127 students (58 female) were measured from venous blood samples. The students were also asked to inform their friends/relatives about anemia and to send people with symptoms of anemia to the free two-day Anemia Awareness Camp organized by the Medical College Hospital for check-ups. The mean post-test score (15.68/20) was much higher than the pretest score (2.99/20). Thirty-eight (25 female) out of 127 students had mild/moderate microcytic hypochromic anemia, suggesting iron deficiency. Thirty-two persons visited the free health camp to receive information from the students, of whom four had normal hemoglobin levels. This pilot study showed that physician-conducted anemia awareness programs are relatively low-cost methods to spread information amongthe general population in India.

Plummer–Vinson syndrome: a rare occurrence in paediatrics

BackgroundPlummer–Vinson syndrome (PVS) is characterized by a triad of symptoms consisting of microcytic hypochromic anaemia, oesophageal webs, and dysphagia. PVS is commonly found in women in the fourth and fifth decades of life and is rarely reported in the paediatric population.Case presentationWe report the case of a 1-year-old male South Asian child who presented with dysphagia and anaemia for 4 months and frequent episodes of vomiting after ingesting semisolid and solid food. A complete blood analysis revealed microcytic hypochromic anaemia. An oesophagogram revealed circumferential narrowing of the upper thoracic oesophagus. Based on these findings, our suspicion was that the patient had an oesophageal web and vascular ring. Oesophageal dilation was performed with a Savary-Gilliard dilator; initially, 5 mm and 7 mm probes were used, and final dilation with a 9 mm probe was performed.ConclusionAlthough rare in paediatric patients, a high suspicion of this syndrome is necessary in these patients to provide relief to the patient for better growth and development. Iron supplements increase the haemoglobin level but do not subside dysphagia, and oesophageal dilation is needed to open the blocked enteral pathway.

Ginkgo biloba attenuated detrimental inflammatory and oxidative events due to Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense in mice treated with melarsoprol.

The severe late stage Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (T.b.r) is characterized by damage to the blood brain barrier, severe brain inflammation, oxidative stress and organ damage. Melarsoprol (MelB) is currently the only treatment available for this disease. MelB use is limited by its lethal neurotoxicity due to post-treatment reactive encephalopathy. This study sought to assess the potential of Ginkgo biloba (GB), a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, to protect the integrity of the blood brain barrier and ameliorate detrimental inflammatory and oxidative events due to T.b.r in mice treated with MelB. Group one constituted the control; group two was infected with T.b.r; group three was infected with T.b.r and treated with 2.2 mg/kg melarsoprol for 10 days; group four was infected with T.b.r and administered with GB 80 mg/kg for 30 days; group five was given GB 80mg/kg for two weeks before infection with T.b.r, and continued thereafter and group six was infected with T.b.r, administered with GB and treated with MelB. Co-administration of MelB and GB improved the survival rate of infected mice. When administered separately, MelB and GB protected the integrity of the blood brain barrier and improved neurological function in infected mice. Furthermore, the administration of MelB and GB prevented T.b.r-induced microcytic hypochromic anaemia and thrombocytopenia, as well as T.b.r-driven downregulation of total WBCs. Glutathione analysis showed that co-administration of MelB and GB prevented T.b.r-induced oxidative stress in the brain, spleen, heart and lungs. Notably, GB averted peroxidation and oxidant damage by ameliorating T.b.r and MelB-driven elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain, kidney and liver. In fact, the co-administered group for the liver, registered the lowest MDA levels for infected mice. T.b.r-driven elevation of serum TNF-α, IFN-γ, uric acid and urea was abrogated by MelB and GB. Co-administration of MelB and GB was most effective in stabilizing TNFα levels. GB attenuated T.b.r and MelB-driven up-regulation of nitrite. Utilization of GB as an adjuvant therapy may ameliorate detrimental effects caused by T.b.r infection and MelB toxicity during late stage HAT.

Moyamoya Syndrome in a Child with Beta-Thalassemia Trait: A Case Report with Review of Literature

Background: The association of moyamoya angiopathy with hematological conditions such as sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia major or intermedia is well-known, but moyamoya syndrome (MMS) associated with thalassemia trait is hardly reported. We report such a rare association. Clinical Description: A 7-year-old boy presented with right-sided monoparesis with right-sided focal seizures, along with right-sided upper motor neuron type facial nerve palsy. He had a history of recurrent transient episodes of limb weakness, which were unevaluated. Examination revealed pallor and mild splenomegaly. Management and Outcome: Routine investigations revealed microcytic hypochromic anemia with normal serum iron levels. High-performance liquid chromatography was suggestive of beta-thalassemia trait. Contrast-enhanced computerized tomography of the head showed infarction in the territory of the left anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA). Magnetic resonance angiography revealed significantly attenuated bilateral internal carotid arteries in the supraclinoid region with attenuated bilateral ACA and bilateral MCA along with collateral formation suggestive of moyamoya angiopathy. The final diagnosis of MMS secondary to beta-thalassemia trait was made. The child improved with aspirin and supportive management. Conclusion: MMS can be rarely associated with the beta-thalassemia trait. Such an underlying, unsuspected heterozygous beta-thalassemia (trait) may be diagnosed only after the identification of moyamoya disease following a stroke.

Anemia among dogs within Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria; A Retrospective Approach

Anemia causes morbidity and mortality in dogs and it is one of the signs of disease in this species. Anemia can occur because of decrease or defective production of red blood cells, acute or chronic blood loss or due to intravascular hemolysis, extravascular hemolysis or both. The records of dogs presented for routine checkup at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Maiduguri was evaluated from 2015-2021 for diagnosed cases of anemia based on routine hematology. A total of 73 dog files were sorted out from the records. Fifty-three (53) dogs were found to be anemic (72.6%), while 20 (27.4%) were non-anemic. Puppies tend to have the microcytic hypochromic anemia possibly due to iron deficiency, while adult dogs had the macrocytic normochromic anemia. Anemia was more prevalent in male dogs than female dogs, probably due to movement of the males during mating season, thereby exposing them to risks of ecto and endo parasitism. In conclusion anemia is prevalent amongst dogs in Maiduguri metropolis, hence there is a need for further studies to identify and characterize the possible etiologies.

Anemia among dogs within Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria; A Retrospective Approach

Anemia causes morbidity and mortality in dogs and it is one of the signs of disease in this species. Anemia can occur because of decrease or defective production of red blood cells, acute or chronic blood loss or due to intravascular hemolysis, extravascular hemolysis or both. The records of dogs presented for routine checkup at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Maiduguri was evaluated from 2015-2021 for diagnosed cases of anemia based on routine hematology. A total of 73 dog files were sorted out from the records. Fifty-three (53) dogs were found to be anemic (72.6%), while 20 (27.4%) were non-anemic. Puppies tend to have the microcytic hypochromic anemia possibly due to iron deficiency, while adult dogs had the macrocytic normochromic anemia. Anemia was more prevalent in male dogs than female dogs, probably due to movement of the males during mating season, thereby exposing them to risks of ecto and endo parasitism. In conclusion anemia is prevalent amongst dogs in Maiduguri metropolis, hence there is a need for further studies to identify and characterize the possible etiologies.

Case report: Multiple autoimmune syndrome

This is a case of multiple autoimmune syndrome with the co-occurrence of vitiligo, pernicious anemia, celiac disease and autoimmune hepatitis is extremely rare. We are presenting a case is a 40-year-old woman with autoimmune hepatitis who is suffering from poor appetite, weight loss and skin lesions. Laboratory investigation shows hypochromic microcytic anemia, B12, and iron deficiency. The testing for parietal cell antibody was positive so pernicious anemia was diagnosed with positive Tissue transglutaminase antibody IgA so the diagnosis of celiac disease was confirmed.

Prevalence of microcytic hypochromic anemia and their assosiated risk factor among female students of Sarhad University Peshawar, Pakistan

Microcytic hypochromic anemia which is a type of blood condition in which the cells become paler and smaller than they should be and it is caused by many reasons that include nutritional deficiencies. Material and methods: It were a descriptive analytical and cross-sectional study conducted at Sarhad University Peshawar, Pakistan that included 50 females. This study was performed in the duration of four months. All the females who were pregnant students, those with prior diagnoses, and thalassemia-positive cases were excluded. Results: Within these 50 participants, the income groups were categorized showing a 35% prevalence of hypochromic microcytic anemia in the 40k-50k income group and 8.5% in the above 50k group. Stress groups showed a 20% prevalence of hypochromic microcytic anemia in those experiencing stress compared to 13.3% in the non-stress group, forming a basis for comparisons in our research analysis with 44 anemia-familiar participants and 6 non familiar participants. Conclusion: more anemia cases, specifically microcytic hypochromic anemia, were seen in higher-income families, especially those with incomes between 40k to 50k; Stress also seemed to play a role, as stressed students had a higher likelihood of having this type of anemia, highlighting the complex relationship between income, stress, and anemia prevalence.

Perbedaan Parameter Eritrosit Dan Retikulosit Pada Pasien Talasemia Beta Minor Dan Anemia Defisiensi Besi Ringan

Beta thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are most common microcytic hypochromic anemia. It is difficult to distinguish minor β thalassemia from mild iron deficiency anemia only by clinical findings and routine hematology examinations, it requires confirmatory tests which are limited in availability and relatively expensive. The presence of additional erythrocyte and reticulocyte parameters (RDW-CV, RBC-He, %MicroR, %Hypo-He, Ret-He, IRF) in hematology analysers are expected to be screening parameters in differentiating minor β thalassemia from mild IDA. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in the values ​​of RDW-CV, RBC-He, %MicroR, %Hypo-He, Ret-He, and IRF between minor β thalassemia patients and mild IDA. This study was an observational, analytical, comparative, with a cross sectional design. Research was conducted at RSU Kota Tangerang Selatan from July to October 2020. Subjects were children who went to an outpatient clinic/medical check-up, or with laboratory data of minor β thalassemia or had β thalassemia families. Samples were analysed using Sysmex XN 1000. Statistical analysis was performed by the independent t test for normally distributed data and the Mann Whitney difference test for abnormally distributed data. The RBC-He and Ret-He values ​​were lower in minor β thalassemia than mild IDA and significantly different with p value 0.005 and 0.004, respectively. The %MicroR and %Hypo-He values were higher in minor β thalassemia than mild IDA and significantly different with p values ​ 0.000 and 0.003, respectively. The RDW-CV and IRF values ​​were higher in minor β thalassemia than mild IDA but were not significantly different with the p value 0.076 and 0.528 respectively. Conclusion: RBC-He and Ret-He values which reflect hemoglobin content in erythrocytes and reticulocytes ​​were lower in minor β thalassemia patients compared to mild IDA and were significantly different. The values ​​of %MicroR and %Hypo-He which reflect microcytic and hypochromic in erythrocyte population were higher in patients with minor β thalassemia than mild IDA and were significantly different. RDW-CV which reflects variation size of erythrocytes and IRF which reflects erythropoiesis activity and ineffective erythropoiesis were higher in patients with minor β thalassemia than mild IDA and were not significantly different.

Validity of Mentzer Index in Predicting Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the Mentzer index as a screening tool for iron deficiency anaemia, using an iron profile as the gold standard in patients presenting with hypochromic microcytic anaemia. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pediatrics, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Dec 2021 to May 2022. Methodology: Data was collected from 163 patients with hypochromic microcytic anaemia. Red cell indices were noted for each patient and recorded on a defined proforma. Results: The mean age of the patients was 8.23±3.57 years. 85(52.1%) patients were males and 78(47.9%) were females. Moreover, out of 163 patients, the specificity, sensitivity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of the Mentzer index for the diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia were 90.1%, 90.1%, 84.6%, 93.8%, and 90.8%, respectively. Conclusion: The cell-count-based indices, especially the Mentzer index, are reliable and available methods for diagnosing iron deficiency anaemia. They have an accurate discrimination ability.

Haemoglobin lepore and beta thalassaemia traits – Prenatal testing by both sequence analysis and MLPA for HBB gene: A case report

Hb Lepore is a fusion globin protein made of fused chains of delta and beta globin. It is a deletion haemoglobinopathy. In homozygote form, it is similar to transfusion dependent beta thalassaemia major, and in the heterozygous form, it causes mild microcytic hypochromic anaemia. In this case report, the couple has heterozygous Hb Lepore and heterozygous beta thalassaemia, with a pregnancy of 15weeks gestation. Prenatal testing by amniocentesis and HBB gene analysis for the fetus was done by sequencing and MLPA to detect the different types of mutations present in the parents. This case report reveals the importance of MLPA to be done along with sanger sequencing, to detect all types of mutations in the HBB gene.

Validity of Erythrocyte Indices in Differentiation between Iron Deficiency Anemia and β-Thalassemia Trait in Children

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and β-thalassemia trait (BTT) are the most common causes of hypochromic microcytic anemia (HMA). Various erythrocyte indices that may help in the initial discrimination between IDA and BTT have been reported, but data evaluating their reliability in children are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the validity of 12 erythrocyte indices in the differentiation between IDA and BTT in children. These indices were red blood cell (RBC) count, Mentzer Index, England and Fraser Index, Srivastava Index, Shine and Lal Index, RBC distribution width (RDW), Ricerca Index, Green and King Index, RDW Index, Sirdah Index, Ehsani Index, and Serdar Index. Among 1,444 children with HMA, 136 (9.4%) were stratified into the IDA group and 137 (9.5%) into the BTT group. Of the 12 indices, the Green and King Index showed the highest reliability, as it had the highest Youden’s index (75.1%). Its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and correct diagnosis rate were 92.7%, 82.4%, 84.1%, 91.8% and 87.5%, respectively. The second most reliable index was the RDW Index, having a Youden’s index, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and correct diagnosis rate of 64.0%, 94.2%, 69.9%, 75.9%, 92.2% and 82.0%, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the revised cut-off values for the Green and King Index and RDW Index had higher sensitivity and specificity levels than the cut-off values commonly used in the literature. The findings of this study suggest the superiority of the Green and King Index and the RDW Index as screening tools in the initial differentiation between IDA and BTT among children with HMA.

Diagnosis and treatment of Ehrlichiosis in a Pug dog

In addition to damaging the skin and causing inflammatory reactions and anemia, dog tick infestations are vectors for blood parasites such as Ehrlichia spp., known as Ehrlichiosis. This article reports the case of a five-year-old female Pug dog whose body was covered with ticks. The clinical examination found tick infestation on the face, ears, back, abdomen, legs, and interdigital areas. Supporting examinations included a complete blood count (CBC), buffy coat smear, and a test kit. CBC examination showed that the dog had leukocytosis, neutrophilia, hypochromic microcytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia. A buffy coat smear examination showed the presence of Ehrlichia morulae in the cytoplasm of the dog's monocytes, and the test kit results were positive for Ehrlichia antibodies; therefore, the dog was diagnosed with Ehrlichiosis. Treatment is done by administering Doxycycline, Intervetta Dr. Choice Ferro-B, and Fu Fang Ejiao Jiang orally for 21 days. After treatment, hematological parameters in leukocytes, neutrophils, erythrocytes, and platelets returned to normal ranges.

Diagnostic Utility of Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Equivalent Parameter in the Evaluation of Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia – Our Experience from Northeast India

Background: Reticulocytes are red blood cell precursors with an average lifespan of 1–2 days. Reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (Ret-He) is an early marker of iron deficiency (ID) erythropoiesis and reflects real-time information regarding the synthesis of young erythrocytes in the bone marrow. The objective of this study is to determine the diagnostic utility of Ret-He in patients having microcytic hypochromic anemia in comparison with serum ferritin and iron studies. Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the diagnostic utility of the Ret-He parameter in patients having microcytic hypochromic anemia in comparison with the serum ferritin, iron studies and its role in routine hematological screening for nutritional deficiency anemia like ID. Design and Settings: The design involves observational study. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based observational study was carried out in a referral hospital. Hematological parameters were processed using Sysmex XN1000 (Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, Japan) analyzer and were compared with Serum iron studies using biochemistry analyzer (VITROS® 250 Chemistry System) from 201 participants who presented with microcytic hypochromic anemia. Main Outcome and Measures: Relationship of Ret-He parameter and its diagnostic utility for screening of iron-deficient states. Sample Size: The sample size was 201. Results: When serum ferritin is taken as “the gold standard” to detect ID, with Ret-He cutoff of 27.15 pg/cell, we found a statistically significant positive correlation between Ret-He and serum ferritin (P < 0.001). We found a sensitivity of 57.37% and specificity of 75.95% with area under the curve of 0.681, positive predictive value of 100%, negative predictive value of 3.8%, and accuracy of 62.19% for Ret-He in detecting ID anemia (IDA). Also found a statistically significant negative correlation between Ret-He and total iron binding capacity (P < 0.001). There was no statistical correlation between Ret-He and serum iron levels in our study. Conclusions: The present study suggests Ret-He is one of the better and more reliable hematological parameters indicating ID and, when used along with biochemical parameters like serum ferritin, can give valuable inputs in a better screening and diagnosis of IDA; hence proper treatment is possible. Limitations: The multicentric study is required to standardize Ret-He reference values, and follow-up to therapy of the subjects was not done. Additional hemoglobin variant analysis data would have been favorable to the study.

Spectrum of Beta-Thalassemia Mutations in Potential Carriers with Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia from Mazandaran and Golestan, Northern Provinces of Iran.

β-Thalassaemia is the most common genetic disorder and is considered as a major public health concern in Iran. Different countrywide studies have shown a heterogeneous mutational basis of β-thalassaemia with different frequencies in each area. This study is aimed at investigating the common and rare mutations in Mazandaran and Golestan, northern provinces of Iran. 5425 microcytic and hypochromic individuals were investigated from Mazandaran and Golestan provinces. From these, 1323 beta carrier or affected individuals were selected where 938 persons were from Mazandaran and 385 people were from Golestan province, respectively. 53 different mutations were identified, IVSII-1 (G>A) was the most common (59.14%) followed by Cd 22/23/24 (-7 bp) (5.34%), Cd 8 (-AA) (4.93%), Cd30 (G>A) (4.00%), and IVSI-5 (G>C) (3.70%) with a total of 77.11% in Mazandaran Province, respectively. In Golestan Province, IVSI-5 (G>C) was the most frequent (44.62%) followed by IVSII-1 (G>A) (27.18%), Cd 15 (TGG>TAG) (4.36%), Fr 8/9(+G) (3.85%), and Cd 8(-AA) (2.05%) with a total of 82.06%, respectively. From the 53 different mutations, 22 numbers have been observed in both provinces. Two deletions of the beta gene named Sicilian and Asian-Indian have been detected in Mazandaran with a frequency of 0.72% each. The 53 different mutations identified in this study were the most ever reported mutations in the country. Due to diversity of different ethnic groups, there are many varieties of mutation in beta globin gene in Iran. It could be assumed that both founder effect and natural selection caused by migration from neighboring areas have complemented each other to produce the high frequency of unique alleles within each region.

Comparative analysis and predictive modeling of hematologic β-thalassemia minor in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study from 2019-2021

Background: Hypo chromic microcytic anemia happens to be the commonest form of anemia in Pakistan. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and Beta Thalassemia Trait (BTT) are its most common causes. Both are having similar clinical and laboratory findings. It is necessary to establish relevant cost-effective screening methods based on blood complete picture (CP) to predict BTT in order to reduce burden of Beta Thalassemia Major in Pakistani population.
 Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from 2019 to 2021. 10,739 BTT or IDA suspected subjects were recruited. Blood CP was done for each patient to analyze different red cell parameters like total red blood cell count (TRBC), hemoglobin (Hb), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin(MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration(MCHC) and red cell distribution width(RDW). For serum ferritin level, serum was collected after centrifugation and analyzed by using Abbott Alinity chemistry analyzer.
 Results: 1044 individuals had BTT and 270 were diagnosed as having IDA. Their RBC indices were analyzed using 25 formulae to differentiate between both conditions. Matos and Carvalho index and Pornprasert discriminative index appeared to be the most reliable indices with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, more than 98%.
 Conclusion: By utilizing Matos and Carvalho index and Pornprasert index, we can cost effectively screen huge population for BTT

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF MENTZER INDEX AS A SCREENING TOOL FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA BY TAKING IRON PROFILE AS GOLD STANDARD IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH HYPOCHROMIC MICROCYTIC ANEMIA AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, KARACHI

Anemia is the most prevalent haematological condition in newborns and children. A deficiency of iron necessary for synthesizing haemoglobin causes it. This study used the iron profile as the gold standard for patients with hypochromic microcytic anemia at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi to assess the Mentzer index's diagnostic accuracy for iron-deficient anemia. From January 2021 to December 2022, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, NICH, Karachi. With the patient's explicit consent, data was prospectively collected. Those who satisfied the diagnostic requirements totaled 163 patients. While frequency and percentages were used to represent qualitative factors, simple descriptive statistics with mean and standard deviation were used to convey quantitative data. The following metrics were calculated: diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and a significance level set at p-value ≤0.05. A total of 163 patients with hypochromic microcytic anemia were included in the study; their mean age was 8.23±3.57 years. 78 (47.9 percent) and 85 (52.1 percent) were female. For the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia, the Mentzer index's sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy were determined to be, respectively, 90.1 percent, 90.1 percent, 93.8 percent, 84.6 percent, and 90.8 percent. According to the study's findings, cell-count-based indices—in particular, the Mentzer index—are trustworthy, widely accessible techniques that have a high degree of discrimination power for identifying iron deficiency anemia.

Correlation of RBC indices and RBC histogram obtained by automated hematology analyser with peripheral smear in the diagnosis of anemia

: The impact of early diagnosis and management of anemia on patient outcome has been tremendous. Although conventional microscopic examination of blood using peripheral smear is unequivocal, the advent of automated hematology analyzer has revolutionized the field of clinical hematology and its practice. This study highlights the efficiency and utility of specific parameters obtained by hematology analyzer and its comparison with peripheral smear in the diagnosis of anemia, also determines the sensitivity of the same.: 501 Ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid blood samples collected at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Karnataka during one and half years from February 2021 to August 2022, were run on the Sysmex 6-part automated hematology analyzer and simultaneous peripheral smears were prepared and stained using Leishman stain based on standard operating procedures. The histogram and peripheral smear findings were noted.: Among the 501 cases, there were 269(53.7%) cases of Normocytic Normochromic Anemia in which 82.9% showed normal curve, 145(28.9%) cases of Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia in which 92.4% showed shift to left, 31(6.2%) cases of Dimorphic Anemia in which 61.3% showed normal curve contrary to the expected double peak, 24(4.8%) cases of Macrocytic Anemia in which 83.3% showed shift to right, 23(4.6%) cases of Pancytopenia in which 39.1% showed normal curve and 9 cases of Normocytic Hypochromic Anemia. : The Automated hematology Analyzer provides highly valuable information with limited sample and is an essential tool in diagnosis, classification and management of anemia.

Prevalence and morphological characteristics of anemia in young children in Albaha, Saudi Arabia

Objective: To assess the anemia among children in Albaha and to recognize the morphological and hematological features of anemia in them. Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted in Albaha region, Saudi Arabia using the existing data since 2020. The study included data on children aged 0-69 months. Morphological criteria included high RDW, and low RBCs, Hgb, Hct, MCV, and MCHC. The data were analyzed by the SPSS, version 24. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied including averages, independent t-tests, and univariate and bivariate binary logistic regression. Results: Average age of children was 46.4 months, representing both genders. The prevalence of anemia was 16.7%, 14.7%, and 14.1% for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, respectively. The predominant type of anemia was microcytic hypochromic anemia, affecting 81.4% of males and 14.1% of females. There were insignificant correlations between age, or gender, with anemia status. Conclusion: Microcytic hypochromic anemia was the most prevalent type among young children in this study. It also emerges the necessity for further assessment to confirm the predominance of microcytic hypochromic anemia among young children in Saudi Arabia in regional contexts.

Ablation of Iron Regulatory Protein 2 produces a neurological disorder characterized by motor, somatosensory, and executive dysfunction in mice

Iron is an important cofactor for many proteins and is used to create Fe-S clusters and heme prosthetic groups that enzymes use to catalyze enzymatic reactions. Proteins involved in the import, export, and sequestration of iron are regulated by Iron Regulatory Proteins (IRPs). Recently, a patient with bi-allelic loss of function mutations in IREB2 leading to the absence of IRP2 protein was discovered. The patient failed to achieve developmental milestones and was diagnosed with dystonic cerebral palsy, epilepsy, microcytic hypochromic anemia, and frontal lobe atrophy. Several more IREB2 deficient patients subsequently identified manifested similar neurological problems. To better understand the manifestations of this novel neurological disease, we subjected an Irp2-null mouse model to extensive behavioral testing. Irp2-null mice had a significant motor deficit demonstrated by reduced performance on rotarod and hanging wire tests. Somatosensory function was also compromised in hot and cold plate assays. Their spatial search strategy was impaired in the Barnes maze and they exhibited a difficulty in flexibly adapting their response in the operant touchscreen reversal learning task. The latter is a cognitive behavior known to require an intact prefrontal cortex. These results suggest that loss of Irp2 in mice causes motor and behavioral deficits that faithfully reflect the IREB2 patient's neurodegenerative disorder.