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Interindividual Biological Variability of Reticulocytes and Their Maturation Fractions in the Pediatric Population

Fernando J Bracho1

  • 1Laboratory of Hematology, Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital, Santiago, Chile.

American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|June 1, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Automated reticulocyte counts and maturation fractions vary significantly by age and sex in children. These findings establish crucial reference ranges for pediatric hematology, impacting diagnostic accuracy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Clinical Pathology
  • Laboratory Medicine

Background:

  • Limited data exists on the variability of reticulocyte counts in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding these variations is essential for accurate interpretation of automated reticulocyte counts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the interindividual biological variability of automated reticulocyte counts and maturation fractions.
  • To establish age- and sex-specific normal values for these parameters in children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective, observational, analytical study design.
  • Analysis of 9,362 complete blood counts (CBCs) from children aged 2 months to 18 years.
  • Utilized indirect sampling methodology for automated reticulocyte counts and maturation fractions.

Main Results:

  • Automated reticulocyte count shows age-dependent changes, with higher values in girls until age 9.
  • Immature reticulocyte fraction varies significantly with age and is higher in boys over 1 year.
  • Low-fluorescence fraction is stable but higher in girls from 8 months onward.

Conclusions:

  • Automated reticulocyte count and its maturation fractions exhibit significant age- and sex-related variations in pediatric patients.
  • These findings highlight the need for age- and sex-specific reference intervals.
Abstract

Keywords:
Automated reticulocyte countBiological variabilityImmature reticulocyte fraction (IRF)Reticulocytes

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