Chandra et al developed an equation which may be helpful in distinguishing iron deficiency anemia from beta-thalassemia minor. The authors are from the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences in Uttarakhand, India.
Patient selection: microcytic anemia
Parameters:
(1) RBC count in 10^12/L
(2) MCHC in gram percent
(3) mean platelet volume (MPV) in fL
(4) red cell distribution width (RDW) in percent (from 0 to 100)
(5) platelet count (PC) in 10^9/L
score =
= (RBC count) * (MCHC) * (MPV) / ((RDW) * (PC))
Interpretation:
• A score > 0.22 favors beta-thalassemia minor.
Performance:
• The sensitivity was 77% and specificity 73% with a Youden index of 50%.
• It correctly identified 75% of cases.
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