Accuracy Of Mentzer Index In Diagnosis Of Iron Deficiency Anemia In 2-5 Years Old Children

Original Article

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the validity and reproducibility of the Mentzer Index in differentiating iron deficiency anemia from non–iron deficiency anemia in children in the age group of 2-5 years from the standard methods of diagnosis.

Place and Duration of Study. From June 2024 to November 2024 Paediatrics Department Bolan Medical Complex Hospital Quetta.

Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among 150 children aged between 2- 5 years attending health facilities with signs of anemia. The Patients’ blood picture, particularly Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and Red blood cell (RBC) in the complete blood count (CBC) were used to determine the subjects Mentzer Index. In order to confirm IDA, serum ferritin levels were employed. The chosen level of significance was p < 0.05, and the data were presented using standard deviations.

Results: Finally we confirmed from serum ferritin that out of 150 patients, 92 patients had IDA. The mean Mentzer Index of the patients with IDA was 14.8 ± 1.5 and the patients with thalassemia traits was 11.3 ± 1.1 (p < 0.001). The observed sensitivity and specificity of the Mentzer Index for the diagnosis of IDA were estimated to be 89% and 91% respectively.

Conclusions: Mentzer Index is useful, inexpensive, and can work as a preliminary predicting tool for screening of the IDA in young children. It is a very sensitive test that is specific; this is a handy tool for centres that could be lacking a lot of equipment. More research work is required to support this study and its results.