Reticulocyte hemoglobin content: a simple parameter for detection of iron deficiency anemia in children with chronic liver disease

Background Iron deficiency anemia is common among patients with chronic liver disease. Reticulocyte hemoglobin is a marker for iron availability in the bone marrow that is not affected by inflammation. Objective The aim of this study is to detect the diagnostic value of reticulocyte hemoglobin (Ret-...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Egyptian Liver Journal 2022-10, Vol.12 (1), p.1-6
Main Authors: Nassim, Mariam Saad, El Raziky, Mona S, Baiomy, Kareem, Abd El Salam, Mai
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Anemia in children
Children
Chronic liver disease
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
Ferritin
Glycosylated hemoglobin
Hospitals
Iron deficiency Anemia
Liver diseases
Pediatrics
Reticulocyte hemoglobin
Serum ferritin
Serum iron
Taiwan
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Summary:Background Iron deficiency anemia is common among patients with chronic liver disease. Reticulocyte hemoglobin is a marker for iron availability in the bone marrow that is not affected by inflammation. Objective The aim of this study is to detect the diagnostic value of reticulocyte hemoglobin (Ret-Hb) in diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia among children with chronic liver disease. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that included thirty-three children with chronic liver disease (CLD) and Hb < 11 g/dL, MCV < 77 fl, regularly attending the Pediatric Hepatology Clinic, Cairo University Children Hospitals. Patients underwent full history taking, and full iron profile and reticulocyte Hb were done. Results The median age of our patients was 5.9 years with a median age of onset of CLD was 1.6 years. The mean reticulocytic Hb was 25.52 ± 4.53 pg (N: 28-36 pg). Mean serum ferritin was 89 ± 16.55 ng/ml (N: 7-140 ng/ml). There was a statistically positive significant linear correlation between S-ferritin and Ret. Hb, r = +0.433, p = 0.012. ROC curve analysis of reticulocytic Hb, at cutoff [less than or equal to] 29.3 pg for diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia in children with CLD, had an AUC of 0.824 with a sensitivity of 92.59% and a specificity of 83.33%, with p = 0.012. Conclusion Reticulocyte Hb is a sensitive and specific marker for detection of iron deficiency anemia in CLD patients. Anemia in CLD was mostly iron deficiency anemia.
ISSN:2090-6218
2090-6226
DOI:10.1186/s43066-022-00222-y