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Bone marrow iron in nutritional anaemias
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Transferrin saturation (TS) and bone marrow iron levels strongly correlate in diagnosing iron deficiency anemia. This study suggests either method is reliable, particularly when megaloblastosis is absent.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Nutritional Anemias
- Iron Metabolism
Background:
- Nutritional anemias are common, requiring accurate diagnostic methods.
- Assessing iron status is crucial for managing these conditions.
- Bone marrow iron and transferrin saturation (TS) are key indicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the correlation between bone marrow iron levels and TS in patients with nutritional anemias.
- To determine the reliability of each diagnostic marker, considering potential confounding factors like megaloblastosis.
Main Methods:
- Bone marrow smears from 168 patients with nutritional anemias were analyzed for iron (haemosiderin) using the Prussian blue stain.
- Iron levels were classified as absent, decreased, normal, or increased.
- Results were compared with transferrin saturation (TS) levels.
Main Results:
- A strong concordance (89.3%) was observed between bone marrow iron and TS.
- In cases with normoblastic erythropoiesis and TS < 16%, bone marrow iron was absent or decreased in all patients.
- Discordant results were primarily seen in cases with megaloblastic morphology.
Conclusions:
- Transferrin saturation (TS) and bone marrow iron levels show a good correlation for diagnosing iron deficiency.
- Either TS or bone marrow iron assessment can be reliably used for diagnosing iron deficiency, especially in the absence of megaloblastosis.