Establishment of a new strategy to correct the interference of chyle blood on the detection of hemoglobin and mean red blood cell hemoglobin concentration / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To establish a new strategy for rapid correction of the interference of chyle blood on hemoglobin (HGB) and related indexes by reticulocyte (RET) channel research parameters (HGB-O, MCHC-O) from automatic hematological analyzer.Methods:With the diagnostic experimental design, a total of 90 impatient samples were sequential picked from Fuwai Hospital, which had routine blood testing from June 1 to July 31, 2021. The selected samples were free of hemolysis, jaundice, chylo. The age of the patients was (49.2±5.7) years, with 47 males and 43 females. Three different contents(25, 50, 75 μl) of fat emulsion injection were used to replace plasma in equal amounts to prepare chyle blood samples with mild, medium and heavy degrees of average red blood cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The research parameters (HGB-O, MCHC-O) obtained by the RET channel detection of the automatic blood analyzer were used as the corrected HGB and its related index values (RET method), and the original values (the detection values before adding fat emulsion) and the formula correction values were paired with t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test, single factor analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test, Bland-Altman and correlation analysis to evaluate the correction effect of RET method.Results:There was no significant difference ( H=0.035, P=0.983; H=0.097, P=0.953; H=0.112, P=0.945) between the RET correction values of HGB (g/L) [104.0(83.8, 132.8), 109.0(87.78, 128.25), 104.0(87.8, 131.8)] and the original values [104.0(83.0, 133.0), 107.5(86.75, 129.25), 103.5(85.8, 131.3)] and the formula correction values [104.0(84.0, 133.8), 106.0(86.75, 131.25), 102.5(86.8, 131.3)] in the samples of chythemia with varying degrees of MCHC (g/L) elevation; meanwhile, the RET correction values [366.5(325.8, 341.5), 333.5(323.8, 340.0), 333.5(327.0, 341.25)] and the original values [336.0(324.8, 342.0), 333.0(323.5, 342.3), 332.0(326.75, 340.5)] and the formula correction values [333.5(323.5, 343.3), 331.0(321.0, 338.3), 329.5(325.25, 337.25)] were also not statistically significant ( H=0.049, P=0.976; H=3.149, P=0.207; H=0.883, P=0.643). The detection values of HGB and related indexes corrected by RET method were in good agreement with the original values [96.7% (29/30) of the points were within the 95% consistency limit], and the two were positively correlated (the correlation coefficients were all higher than 0.919, P<0.01). Conclusion:The RET method based on the research parameters of RET channel of automatic hematological analyzer can serve as a new strategy to correct the interference of chyle blood on the detection of HGB and related indexes.

Analysis of hematological parameters in male plateletpheresis donors / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the variation of hematological parameters in male plateletpheresis donors. 【Methods】 A total of 194 male plateletpheresis donors from Fujian Blood Center were divided into two groups according to the frequency of blood donation: Group 1 (n=107), with the number of plateletpheresis donation less than or equal to 12 per year; Group 2 (n=87), with the number of plateletpheresis donation more than 12 per year. Serum ferritin (SF) and related iron metabolism indexes, red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit(Hct), platelet count (Plt) and other blood routine indexes, as well as percentage of reticulocyte counts (RET%), immature reticulocyte fraction(IRF) and other reticulocyte indexes were measured before blood donation and analyzed by statistical methods. 【Results】 Compared with Group 2, the RBC, Hb, Hct, SF in Group 1 were significantly higher, while Plt, RET%and IRF were significantly lower(P<0.05), and the probability of ferritin decrease in Group 1 was lower, with significant difference(P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 As the number of donation increased, male plateletpheresis donors were prone to iron deficiency, and the bone marrow hematopoiesis were obviously enhanced. We should be more concerned about male plateletpheresis donors who donated more than 12 times per year, further more, SF monitoring should be conducted and the blood donation interval should be appropriately extended.

Hematological parameters: is there a difference between those released by the hematological analyzer and to the customer?

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to compare the hematological parameters released by hematological analyzers with those released in customer reports. Methods We conducted a descriptive study in the laboratories of a medium-sized municipality in the state of Minas Gerais registered in the National Register of Health Establishments. Interviews were conducted using a questionnaire to obtain information regarding the parameters released by the analyzers and those available in the customer's report. Results Sixteen laboratories were evaluated, and none of them released all the parameters obtained from the hematological analyzers to customers. The red blood cell distribution width was released in 88% of the laboratories, atypical lymphocytes in 70%, mean platelet volume in 50%, platelet distribution width and platelet count in 20%. No laboratory released information on reticulocytes, fraction of immature reticulocytes and immature granulocytes, nucleated erythrocyte count, immature platelet fraction and reticulocyte hemoglobin, and large platelet rate. Conclusion All evaluated clinical analysis laboratories had at least one parameter that was not released in the customer's report despite being released by the hematological analyzers. The lack of knowledge on the part of professionals about the clinical importance of each parameter of the complete blood count results in a loss in patient assessment, and it is important to include these parameters in the complete blood count report.

Hemoglobin analysis after overload training in athletes / Análise de hemoglobina após treinamento de sobrecarga em atletas / Análisis de la hemoglobina tras el entrenamiento de sobrecarga en atletas

ABSTRACT Introduction: The cardiovascular system provides athletes with the proper conditions for blood circulation, ensuring the stability and normal metabolism of the body's internal environment during exercise. Objective: Investigate the effect of overload training on the hemoglobin of male taekwondo athletes. Methods: Twenty-one male taekwondo athletes (level 2 or higher) were selected and trained for four weeks, five days per week, with an initial load intensity of 60% of the maximum heart rate and a weekly intensity increase of 10%. Before training and on every weekend during training, hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), reticulocyte count (Ret) were checked, RBC volume distribution width (RDW), hemoglobin content distribution width (HDW), mean reticulocyte volume (MCVr), mean reticulocyte hemoglobin concentration (CHCMr), serum iron (Fe) and ferritin (Fer). Results: After four weeks of increasing load training, athletes showed a progressive and significant decrease in Hb (P<0.01), manifested as exercise-induced hypohemoglobin, and MCV, MCH, MCHC, CHCMr, HDW, and serum ferritin were significantly or extremely decreased(P<0.) 05, P<0.01); RDW increased significantly (P<0.05); Changes in Ret and serum iron showed no statistical significance (P>0.05). Correlation analysis found that hemoglobin concentration had the highest correlation with MCHC and CHCMr. Conclusion: Four-week incremental load training can induce exercise-induced hypohemoglobin in male taekwondo athletes, its changes being most correlated with MCHC and CHCMr, but without significant correlation with serum Fe, RDW, HDW, and MCV. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Studies -Investigation of Outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: O sistema cardiovascular fornece aos atletas as condições propícias para a circulação sanguínea, garantindo a estabilidade e o metabolismo normal do ambiente interno corporal durante o exercício. Objetivo: Investigar o efeito do treinamento em sobrecarga sobre a hemoglobina dos atletas masculinos de Taekwondo. Métodos: Vinte e um atletas masculinos de taekwondo (nível 2 ou superior) foram selecionados e treinados durante 4 semanas, 5 dias por semana, com uma intensidade de carga inicial de 60% da frequência cardíaca máxima e um aumento de intensidade semanal de 10%. Antes do treinamento e em todos os fins de semana durante o treinamento, foi verificada a hemoglobina (Hb), volume corpuscular médio (MCV), hemoglobina corpuscular média (MCH), concentração corpuscular média de hemoglobina (MCHC), contagem de reticulócitos (Ret), largura de distribuição do volume de hemácias (RDW), largura de distribuição do conteúdo de hemoglobina (HDW), volume médio de reticulócitos (MCVr), concentração média de hemoglobina reticulócitos (CHCMr), ferro sérico (Fe) e ferritina (Fer). Resultados: Após 4 semanas em treinamento de carga crescente, os atletas mostraram uma diminuição progressiva e significativa em Hb(P<0,01), manifestada como hipohemoglobina induzida por exercício, e MCV, MCH, MCHC, CHCMr, HDW, e ferritina sérica foram significativamente ou extremamente diminuídos(P<0). 05, P<0,01); RDW aumentou significativamente (P<0,05); Alterações de Ret e ferro sérico não apresentaram significância estatística (P>0,05). A análise de correlação constatou que a concentração de hemoglobina teve a maior correlação com MCHC e CHCMr. Conclusão: O treinamento de carga incremental de quatro semanas pode induzir hipohemoglobina induzida por exercício em atletas taekwondo masculinos, sendo suas alterações mais correlacionadas com MCHC e CHCMr, mas sem correlação significativa com Fe sérico, RDW, HDW e MCV. Nível de evidência: Estudos Terapêuticos -Investigação dos Resultados.

RESUMEN Introducción: El sistema cardiovascular proporciona a los deportistas las condiciones propicias para la circulación sanguínea, garantizando la estabilidad y el metabolismo normal del medio corporal interno durante el ejercicio. Objetivo: Investigar el efecto del entrenamiento de sobrecarga en la hemoglobina de los atletas masculinos de taekwondo. Métodos: Se seleccionaron 21 atletas masculinos de taekwondo (de nivel 2 o superior) y se entrenaron durante 4 semanas, 5 días a la semana, con una intensidad de carga inicial del 60% de la frecuencia cardíaca máxima y un aumento semanal de la intensidad del 10%. Antes del entrenamiento y cada fin de semana durante el mismo, se comprobó la hemoglobina (Hb), el volumen corpuscular medio (MCV), la hemoglobina corpuscular media (HCM), la concentración de hemoglobina corpuscular media (MCH) y el recuento de reticulocitos (Ret), Anchura de distribución del volumen de glóbulos rojos (RDW), anchura de distribución del contenido de hemoglobina (HDW), volumen reticulocitario medio (MCVr), concentración media de hemoglobina reticulocitaria (CHCMr), hierro sérico (Fe) y ferritina (Fer). Resultados: Después de 4 semanas de entrenamiento con carga creciente, los atletas mostraron una disminución progresiva y significativa de la Hb (P<0,01), que se manifestó como hipohemoglobina inducida por el ejercicio, y el MCV, el MCH, el MCHC, el CHCMr, el HDW y la ferritina sérica disminuyeron de forma significativa o extrema (P<0,01). 05, P<0,01); el ADE aumentó significativamente (P<0,05); los cambios en el Ret y el hierro sérico no mostraron significación estadística (P>0,05). El análisis de correlación encontró que la concentración de hemoglobina tenía la mayor correlación con MCHC y CHCMr. Conclusión: El entrenamiento de carga incremental de cuatro semanas puede inducir hipohemoglobina inducida por el ejercicio en atletas masculinos de taekwondo, siendo sus cambios los más correlacionados con MCHC y CHCMr, pero sin correlación significativa con el Fe sérico, RDW, HDW y MCV. Nivel de evidencia: Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de resultados.

Practical Approach to the Interpretation of Complete Blood Count Reports and Histograms

Improvement in technology and inclusion of new parameters in automated hematology analyzers allows for better and faster detection of anemias. These parameters along with histograms provide details and clues that help to diagnose the etiology of anemia and help bridge the time lag in detection and treatment. Timely and expert interpretation of complete blood counts should not be limited to the pathologist but should also interest the clinician to allow for efficient patient care.

Enfermedades frecuentes durante el período neonatal. Resultados del hemograma, frotis de sangre periférica, conteo de reticulocitos y conteo de plaquetas

RESUMEN El hemograma, el frotis de sangre periférica, el conteo de reticulocitos y el conteo de plaquetas en el período neonatal son exámenes fundamentales en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de algunas enfermedades más frecuentes en esta fase de la vida como la anemia y las infecciones, las cuales, en ocasiones, pueden causar gran morbilidad y mortalidad en el neonato. Se efectúa una revisión bibliográfica de los resultados del hemograma, lámina periférica, conteo de reticulocitos y conteo de plaquetas en el neonato a término y pretérmino describiendo las variaciones de estos parámetros en el síndrome anémico y la sepsis del recién nacido.

ABSTRACT The complete blood count, the peripheral blood smear, the reticulocyte count and the platelet count in the pathological neonatal period are fundamental tests in the diagnosis and follow-up of some of the most frequent diseases in this phase of life, such as anemia and infections, which can sometimes cause great morbidity and mortality in the newborn. A bibliographic review of the results of the hemogram, peripheral lamina, reticulocyte count and platelet count in term and preterm neonates is carried out, describing the variations of these parameters in the anemia syndrome and sepsis of the newborn.

Hemograma, frotis de sangre periférica, conteo de plaquetas y conteo de reticulocitos en el recién nacido normal y sus variaciones fisiológicas

RESUMEN Se define recién nacido normal a aquel niño con peso superior a 2500 gramos e inferior a 4000 gramos, a término, y que no presenta afección ni presente ni probable en el momento del nacimiento. Los valores del hemograma, la morfología del frotis de sangre periférica, el conteo de reticulocitos y de plaquetas en el recién nacido normal varían según su tiempo de vida y son efecto de diferentes causas fisiológicas; aunque también existen numerosas alteraciones patológicas en estos exámenes de laboratorio en caso de determinadas enfermedades que pueden aparecer en esta etapa de la vida. En los recién nacidos pre término estas cambios son más evidentes. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sobre el hemograma, lámina periférica, conteo de plaquetas y conteo de reticulocitos en el recién nacido normal donde se exponen los resultados de estos estudios según su tiempo de nacimiento. Se realizan conclusiones.

ABSTRACT A normal newborn is defined as a child weighing more than 2500 grams and less than 4000 grams, at term, and who does not present affection or possible affection at the time of birth. The values of the hemogram, the morphology of the peripheral blood smear, the reticulocyte and platelet count in the normal newborn vary according to their life span and are the effect of different physiological causes; although there are also numerous pathological alterations in these laboratory tests in the case of certain diseases that may appear at this stage of life. In preterm newborns these changes are more evident. A bibliographic review was carried out on the hemogram, peripheral lamina, platelet count and reticulocyte count in the normal newborn where the results of these studies are presented according to their time of birth. Conclusions are made.

Characteristics of bone marrow compensatory erythropoiesis in hereditary spherocytosis / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To reveal the compensatory features of bone marrow (BM) erythropoiesis in hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and to explore the effect of diferent hemoglobin levels on this compensation. Methods: Clinical and laboratory data of patients with HS were collected, and the peripheral blood absolute reticulocytes counts value was taken as the surrogate parameter to evaluate the ability of erythropoiesis compensation. BM erythropoiesis compensation in HS with diferent degrees of anemia were evaluated. Results: ①Three hundred and two patients were enrolled, including 115 with compensated hemolytic disease, 74 with mild anemia, 90 with moderate anemia, and 23 with severe anemia. ②Hemoglobin (HGB) was negatively correlated with serum erythropoietin in the decompensated hemolytic anemia group (EPO; rs=-0.585, P<0.001) . ③The median absolute reticulocyte count (ARC) of HS patients was 0.34 (0.27, 0.44) ×10(12)/L, up to 4.25 times that of normal people. The maximum ARC was 0.81×10(12)/L, about 10 times that of normal people. The median ARC of patients with compensated hemolytic disease was 0.29 (0.22, 0.38) ×10(12)/L, up to 3.63 times that of normal people. The median ARC of patients with hemolytic anemia was 0.38 (0.30, 0.46) ×10(12)/L, which was significantly higher than the patients with compensated hemolytic disease, up to 4.75 times that of normal people (z=4.999, P=0.003) . ④ ARC was negatively correlated with HGB in the compensated hemolytic disease group (rs=-0.177, P=0.002) and positively correlated with HGB in the decompensated hemolytic anemia group (rs=0.191, P=0.009) . There was no significant difference in the ARC among patients with mild, moderate, and severe anemia (χ(2)=4.588, P=0.101) . ⑤The median immature reticulocyte production index of the mild, moderate, and severe anemia groups was 13.1% (9.1%, 18.4%) , 17.0% (13.4%, 20.8%) , and 17.8% (14.6%, 21.8%) , respectively; the mild anemia group had lower index values than the moderate and severe anemia groups (P(adj) values were both<0.05) , but there was no significant difference between the latter groups (P(adj)=1.000) . The median immature reticulocyte count of patients in the mild, moderate, and severe groups was 5.09 (2.60, 7.74) ×10(10)/L, 6.24 (4.34, 8.83) ×10(10)/L, and 7.00 (3.07, 8.22) ×10(10)/L, respectively; there was no significant difference among the groups (χ(2)=3.081, P=0.214) . Conclusion: HGB can be maintained at a normal level through bone marrow erythropoiesis, while red blood cells are reduced in HS. However, once anemia develops, the bone marrow exerts its maximum erythropoiesis capacity and does not increase, regardless of anemia aggravation or serum EPO increase.

Hemoglobina reticulocitaria y su utilidad clínica en el diagnóstico temprano de eritropoyesis por deficiencia de hierro absoluto en mujeres adolescentes / Reticulocyte hemoglobin and its clinical utility in the early diagnosis of erythropoiesis due to absolute iron deficiency in adolescent women / Hemoglobina de reticulócitos e sua utilidade clínica no diagnóstico precoce da eritropoiese por deficiência absoluta de ferro em mulheres adolescentes

La hemoglobina reticulocitaria es un nuevo parámetro dentro de los autoanalizadores hematológicos de cuarta generación, siendo indispensable en el diagnóstico y manejo de eritropoyesis deficiente en hierro, especialmente la deficiencia funcional de hierro, el secuestro de hierro y la deficiencia absoluta de hierro. Además, este parámetro demuestra ser más preciso que las pruebas bioquímicas como el hierro sérico, la ferritina y la saturación de transferrina, en la detección precoz de eritropoyesis deficiente en hierro. El objetivo de la investigación fue describir la utilidad clínica de la hemoglobina reticulocitaria (CHr) en el diagnóstico temprano de eritropoyesis por deficiencia de hierro absoluto en mujeres adolescentes. El tipo de investigación fue descriptivo, analítico, el diseño de campo transversal. La muestra voluntaria, no aleatoria estuvo constituida por 62 mujeres adolescentes con edades comprendidas entre los 14 y 19 años. Como resultado se encontró que el 97% de la muestra tiene disminución de la CHr, indicando eritropoyesis deficiente en hierro, mientras que un 3% de las adolescentes presentan valores normales para la CHr, se realizó la relación diagnostica entre pruebas de laboratorio tales como CHr y el Hierro sérico. También se reportó que el 93% de la muestra presenta déficit de hierro sin anemia, y un 7% tiene anemia ferropénica, el rango de edad con mayor predominio de anemia ferropénica fue entre los 14 y 16 años. Se concluye que la CHr es de utilidad clínica y una nueva herramienta de diagnóstico temprano de eritropoyesis por deficiencia de hierro.

Reticulocyte hemoglobin is a new parameter within the fourth generation hematological autoanalyzers, being indispensable in the diagnosis and management of iron deficient erythropoiesis, especially functional iron deficiency, iron sequestration and absolute iron deficiency. Moreover, this parameter proves to be more accurate than biochemical tests such as serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation in the early detection of iron deficient erythropoiesis. The aim of the research was to describe the clinical utility of reticulocyte hemoglobin (CHr) in the early diagnosis of absolute iron deficiency erythropoiesis in adolescent females. The type of research was descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional field design. The voluntary, non-random sample consisted of 62 adolescent females aged between 14 and 19 years. As a result, it was found that 97% of the sample had decreased CHr, indicating iron deficient erythropoiesis, while 3% of the adolescents had normal values for CHr. The diagnostic relationship between laboratory tests such as CHr and serum iron was performed. It was also reported that 93% of the sample presented iron deficiency without anemia, and 7% had iron deficiency anemia; the age range with the highest prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was between 14 and 16 years of age. It is concluded that HRH is clinically useful and a new tool for early diagnosis of erythropoiesis due to iron deficiency.

A hemoglobina reticulócita é um novo parâmetro dentro da quarta geração de auto-analisadores hematológicos, sendo indispensável no diagnóstico e manejo da eritropoiese com deficiência de ferro, especialmente deficiência funcional de ferro, seqüestro de ferro e deficiência absoluta de ferro. Além disso, este parâmetro prova ser mais preciso do que testes bioquímicos como ferro sérico, ferritina e saturação da transferrina na detecção precoce de eritropoiese com deficiência de ferro. O objetivo da pesquisa foi descrever a utilidade clínica da hemoglobina reticulocitária (RCHr) no diagnóstico precoce da eritropoiese absoluta de deficiência de ferro em mulheres adolescentes. O tipo de pesquisa foi descritivo, analítico, de corte transversal do campo. A amostra voluntária e não aleatória consistiu de 62 fêmeas adolescentes com idades entre 14 e 19 anos. Como resultado, descobriu-se que 97% da amostra tinha uma diminuição na HRH, indicando uma eritropoiese com deficiência de ferro, enquanto 3% das adolescentes tinham valores normais para HRH. Também foi relatado que 93% da amostra tinha deficiência de ferro sem anemia, e 7% tinha anemia por deficiência de ferro; a faixa etária com maior prevalência de anemia por deficiência de ferro era entre 14 e 16 anos. Conclui-se que o RHH é clinicamente útil e uma nova ferramenta para o diagnóstico precoce da eritropoiese devido à deficiência de ferro.

Utilidad clínica del equivalente de hemoglobina reticulocitaria en niños en hemodiálisis / Clinical usefulness of the reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent in children on hemodialysis

Introducción. La anemia por deficiencia de hierro en hemodiálisis es frecuente. Para su detección se utiliza la ferritina sérica y la saturación de transferrina (ST). El equivalente de hemoglobina reticulocitaria (RET-He) es un análisis que no se modifica en estados inflamatorios y refleja directamente el hierro disponible en médula ósea.Objetivo. Explorar la capacidad diagnóstica de deficiencia absoluta de hierro del RET-He y evaluar su correlación con marcadores tradicionales de ferropenia.Población y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo que comparó RET-He con ferritina y ST en niños en hemodiálisis atendidos en el Hospital Garrahan entre julio de 2016 y julio de 2019. Resultados. En 164 observaciones realizadas en 40 niños, se encontró correlación positiva débil entre hemoglobina y RET-He (r 0,35, p < 0,001), positiva significativa entre ST y RET-He (r 0,52, p < 0,001), negativa baja entre hemoglobina y ferritina (r -0,19, p 0,02) y ausencia de correlación entre hemoglobina y ST (r 0,05, p 0,5). El 50 % presentaba anemia; la ferropénica fue por marcadores tradicionales en el 13 % y por RET-He en el 44 %. El RET-He mostró sensibilidad del 90,9 % (IC 95: 57,1-99,5 %), especificidad del 74,5 % (IC 95: 66,7-81 %), valor predictivo negativo del 99,1 % (IC 95: 94,5-99,9 %) y positivo del 20,4 % (IC 95: 10,7-34,7 %) para detectar anemia ferropénica con valor de corte de 29 picogramos.Conclusiones. Pese a su capacidad limitada, el RET-He como biomarcador de deficiencia de hierro aumenta la detección de anemia ferropénica en niños en hemodiálisis

Introduction. Iron-deficiency anemia is common in hemodialysis patients. Serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TS) are used for its detection. The reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (RET-He) is a marker that is not altered by inflammatory conditions and directly reflects iron availability in the bone marrow.Objective. To explore the diagnostic capability of RET-He to detect absolute iron deficiency and assess its correlation with traditional markers of iron deficiency.Population and methods. Retrospective study comparing RET-He with ferritin and TS in children on hemodialysis seen at Hospital Garrahan between July 2016 and July 2019.Results. In 164 observations carried out in 40 children, a weak positive correlation was found between hemoglobin and RET-He (r = 0.35, p < 0.001), a significant positive correlation between TS and RET-He (r = 0.52, p < 0.001), a low negative correlation between hemoglobin and ferritin (r = -0.19, p = 0.02), and a lack of correlation between hemoglobin and TS (r = 0.05, p = 0.5). Anemia was observed in 50 %; iron-deficiency anemia was detected by traditional markers in 13 % and by RET-He in 44 %. RET-He showed a sensitivity of 90.9 % (95 % CI: 57.1-99.5 %), a specificity of 74.5 % (95 % CI: 66.7-81 %), a negative predictive value of 99.1 % (95 % CI: 94.5-99.9 %), and a positive predictive value of 20.4 % (95 % CI: 10.7-34.7 %) to detect iron-deficiency anemia with a cut-off value of 29 pg.Conclusions. Despite its limited capability, the use of RET-He as a biomarker of iron deficiency increases the detection of iron-deficiency anemia in children on hemodialysis.