Description

Velasco-Rodriguez et evaluated the ability of hematologic parameters to distinguish delta-beta-thalassemia from other microcytic anemias. The authors are from Laboratoria Central de la Communidad de Madrid and Hospital Clinico San Carlos in Madrid, Spain.


Features of delta-beta thalassemia (versus beta-thalassemia):

(1) higher RDW (>= 17.35%)

(2) higher hemoglobin F (>= 3%)

(3) higher MCV

 

Features of delta-beta thalassemia (versus iron deficiency):

(1) higher percent hyperchromic RBCs (> 0.5%)

(2) higher percent microcytic RBCs

(3) lower MCV (< 67 fL)

(4) lower percent hypochromatic cells

(5) higher hemoglobin F

 

Features of beta-thalassemia (versus iron deficiency):

(1) higher percent hyperchromic RBCs (> 0.5%)

(2) higher percent microcytic RBCs

(3) lower MCV (< 67 fL)

(4) lower percent hypochromatic cells

(5) higher RBC count

(6) higher hemoglobin F


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