Significance of Mentzer Index and Erythrocyte Indices to Evaluate Erythrocyte Morphology and Spectrum of Anemia in Adult Population in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Rural Haryana

ABSTRACT

Anemia, reduced red cell mass below normal range, results in reduction of oxygen carrying capacity of bloodthat results in tissue hypoxia. MCV, MCH, MCH and RDW represent a sensitive indicator to study erythrocytemorphology. Mentzer Index recommended MI<13 to be suggestive of â-TT and MI>13 for Iron deficiencyanemia. 100 cases were analyzed prospectively over a span of 1 year at MMIMSR, Mullana. The studyrevealed 34% of patients to be in age group of 21-30 years with (59%) female predominance out of whichmajority of cases were of moderate anemia (73%). Erythrocyte indices revealed pattern with majority ofsamples having MCV, MCH and MCHC to be in normal range while RDW showed increased values. Mentzerindex came out to be >14 in 96% of samples. To conclude evaluation of erythrocyte indices and Mentzerindex aids in quatitative assessment of anemia and also to distinguish between iron deficiency anemia andthalassemia trait.