Reference values for reticulocyte parameters and hypochromic RBC in healthy children

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Pediatrics
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Modern hematology analyzers offer new erythrocyte and reticulocyte parameters valuable in pediatric care.
• Pediatric reference ranges for these indices are currently limited.
• This study addresses the need for method-specific pediatric reference values.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish pediatric reference values for reticulocyte parameters and hypochromic red blood cells.
• To utilize the ADVIA 2120 hematology analyzer for these measurements.
• To provide data for improved clinical practice and research in pediatrics.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 311 healthy children aged 6 months to 18 years.
• Hematological parameters measured using the ADVIA 2120 analyzer.
• Participants grouped into three age cohorts; gender distribution analyzed for ages ≥12 years.

Main Results:

• Provided age- and gender-specific reference limits for reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr or Ret-He), Delta-He, immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF), and percentage of hypochromic red blood cells (%Hypo).
• Significant gender differences observed for Delta-He, IRF, and %Hypo in the 12-17 years group.
• CHr showed no significant gender variation across all age groups (median 30.8 ± 1.7 pg).

Conclusions:

• Establishing reliable pediatric reference intervals for novel hematological parameters is essential.
• These reference values offer valuable prospects for clinical practice in pediatrics.
• The findings support the use of these parameters in pediatric research.