Role of mean corpuscular volume as screening test for thalassaemia in pregnant women at Isra University Hospital Hyderabad

ABSTRACT

To see the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of mean corpuscular volume [MCV] in screening for beta thalassemia minor in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Isra University Hospital [IUH] Hyderabad. This validation study was conducted at the department of obstetrics and gynecology Isra University Hospital Hyderabad from 1st November 2004 to 30th October 2005. Women were interviewed using a pre designed questionnaire regarding their demographic profiles and Gestational age at the time of presentation. On their first antenatal visit MCV were checked as less than or equal to 70 fl on complete blood picture. HbA2 level were assessed by Hemoglobin electrophoresis to find out the carrier of beta thalassaemia minor. The data was analyzed on SPSS vr 15. This study showed that MCV is a good screening test for beta thalassemia minor. Out of 100 screened subjects 53% had MCV less than 70 fl or equal to 70 fl. Positive MCV test [<70 fl] showed a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 30% in screening for beta thalassaemia trait. The positive and negative predictive values were 56% respectively. Our study showed that MCV is 79.9% sensitive and 30% specific and positive and negative predictive value is 56% in detection of beta thalassaemia minor. It was found to be a good screening tool in pregnant women for beta thalassaemia. This test can be adopted in future as part of evaluation for sub fertility in all young women