Hematologic parameters and iron stores in patients on hemodialysis for chronic renal failure

Thirty-two patients on hemodialysis for chronic renal failure were investigated. A correlation was sought between bone marrow iron stores assessed on Prussian-blue stained smears, and some common hematological parameters such as red blood corpuscle indexes obtained by coulter counter, serum iron, iron-binding capacity and serum ferritin levels (measured by RIA). MCH and MCV were both found significantly depressed in patients with depleted iron stores, a situation not reflected by any of the other tested parameters. These results reveal a practical and simple guideline for the treating practitioner who wants to initiate iron supplementation or withdrawal in these patients especially in areas where more elaborate tests may not be at hand.