Iron deficiency anemia, bone marrow aspiration VS serum iron, TIBC and transferring saturation

ABSTRACT

In this prospective study of 100 cases of microcytic hypochromic anaemia, iron deficiency was found to constitute the major group [70%], followed by chronic underlying disorders [19%], haemolytic anaemia [10%] and sideroblastic anaemia [1%], respectively. In the diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia, serum iron, TIBC and transferrin saturation were more appropriate investigations as compared to bone marrow biopsy. However in 52% of patients who manifested macrocytosis in addition to microcytosis and hypochromia, bone marrow biopsy was an additional useful investigation. Therefore, it was concluded that in patients showing only microcytosis and hypochromia, biochemical investigation were sufficient for diagnosis of iron deficiency, whereas in patients who presented with macrocytosis [in addition to microcytosis and hypochromia], bone marrow biopsy provided an additional information regarding a concomitant megaloblastic component