RESUMO
Objective: To apply various hematological indices for the differential diagnosis of Beta-Thalassemia trait [Beta-TT] and iron deficiency anemia [IDA]
Methodology: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted at Dar-ul-Sehat Hospital, Gulistan -e- Johar, Karachi. We retrospectively analyzed complete blood count [CBC] of 2480 patients, who came to the OPD for various problems during the year 2014 from January to December so as to identify hypochromic microcytic patients. Mentzer's index [MI], Shine and Lal index [S and L index] and Ehsani's formula were applied on the CBC report of identified microcytic hypochromic patients
Results: It was found that among a total of 2840 patients, 385 [13.55%] patients were suffering from hypochromic microcytic anemia identified on their CBC report. These included 44 males [6.74%], 300 females [33.33%] and 41 [14.48%] children. Application of Mentzer's index [MI], Shine and Lal index [S and L index] and Ehsani's formula screened the hypochromic microcytic patients into patients suffering from ß-Thalassemia trait and Iron deficiency Anemia
Conclusion: Application of hematological indices can be taken as the most useful method fordifferentiating Beta-TT from IDA by simply considering CBC report
RESUMO
Use of electronic devices among children is common and is increasing day by day. Exposure to electronic devices such as television, computer and cell phones is documented to be associated with lot of adverse health effects. The problems encountered in children are sleep difficulties, bad dietary habits, lower physical activity, obesity, appearance of psychological symptoms including depression, lack of social interaction etc. Parents need to be counseled regarding adverse health effects and limiting the screen time of their children to these electronic devices