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Developmental change in red blood cell volume: implication in screening infants and children for iron deficiency and
Insights
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) levels in children increase with age after six months. This study establishes normal MCV ranges for pediatric populations, crucial for diagnosing microcytosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Clinical Pathology
Background:
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is vital for identifying microcytosis in children.
- Normal MCV values change during childhood development.
- Understanding these changes is key for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document normal developmental changes in MCV in children over six months of age.
- To establish age-specific lower limits of normal for MCV in healthy pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 211 healthy infants and children.
- Exclusion of participants with iron deficiency, thalassemia trait, or hemoglobinopathy.
- Determination of MCV using an electronic counter.
Main Results:
- The lower limit of normal for MCV is 70 fl between 10-17 months.
- MCV gradually increases with age: 74 fl (1.5-4 years) and 76 fl (4-7 years).
- All pediatric values are below the adult minimum of 80 fl.
Conclusions:
- MCV shows significant developmental changes in children after six months.
- Established age-specific MCV ranges aid in diagnosing pediatric microcytosis.
- These findings provide essential reference values for pediatric hematological assessments.
Abstract:
The mean corpuscular volumen when determined by electronic counter is an accurate tool for identification of children with microcytosis due to either iron deficiency or thalassemia trait. The purpose of this report is to describe the normal developmental changes in MCV that occur in children afler 6 months of age. In 211 healthy infants and children screened to exclude those with borderline or overt iron deficiency, thalassemia trait, or hemoglobinopathy, we found that the lower limit of normal for MCV is 70 ft between 10 and 17 months of age and that there is a gradual increase of MCV with age; the lower limit is 74 between 1 1/2 and 4 years and 76 between 4 and 7 years. All of these values are well below the minimum adult level of 80 fl.