Reticulocyte Indices for the Differential Diagnosis of Anemia of Chronic Disease and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Adult Women with Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common anemia followed by anemia of chronic disease (ACD). Reticulocyte indices have been shown to be helpful indicators for detecting IDA. We investigated whether RBC and reticulocyte indices can be used to differentiate ACD from IDA. METHODS: A total of 85 women showing microcytic hypochromic anemia (38 IDA and 47 ACD cases) were enrolled. IDA was defined as those with ferritin level of 450 microg/dL. ACD was defined as ferritin level of > or =6 microg/dL, TIBC of or =24.6 pg could be used to differentiate ACD from IDA with 85.1% sensitivity and 81.6% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The reticulocyte indices, especially CHr, are useful for the differential diagnosis of microcytic hypochromic anemias, ACD and IDA.