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Role of red cell distribution width in classifying microcytic hypochromic anaemia
Archana Chirag Buch1, Pradyot P Karve, Narayanan K Panicker
1Department of Pathology, Padmashree Dr DY Patil Medical College, Pune 411018.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|December 23, 2011
Summary
Red cell distribution width (RDW) can help identify microcytic anaemia but has limited use in differentiating iron deficiency anaemia from thalassaemia trait. While RDW is often elevated in both conditions, it lacks specificity for definitive diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Clinical Laboratory Science
Background:
- Red cell distribution width (RDW) measures red blood cell size variation (anisocytosis).
- Differentiating iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) from thalassaemia trait is crucial for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of RDW in classifying microcytic anaemia.
- To assess the role of RDW in differentiating IDA from thalassaemia trait.
Main Methods:
- Screened 500 patients for microcytic anaemia (Hb < 13g/dl males, < 12g/dl females; MCV < 80fl).
- Performed iron profile and haemoglobin chromatography for definitive diagnosis.
- Analyzed RDW values in 105 cases of microcytic anaemia.
Main Results:
- Of 105 microcytic anaemia cases, 53 were IDA, 39 were thalassaemia trait.
- Increased RDW was observed in 67.9% of IDA cases and 71.8% of thalassaemia trait cases.
- RDW showed a sensitivity of 71.4% for microcytic anaemia and 67.9% for IDA, with low specificity.
Conclusions:
- RDW provides useful but limited information in classifying microcytic anaemia.
- RDW is not a definitive tool for distinguishing IDA from thalassaemia trait due to overlapping elevations.
