Association of Serum Ferritin and Hematological Parameters in Investigation of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Abstract

Objective: To find out a correlation between serum ferritin and hematological parameters and age of patients visiting National Institute of Health, and also to establish the role of this biochemical indicator in the diagnosis of IDA.

Methodology: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Endocrinology and Special Chemistry Department of PHLD, National Institute of Health Islamabad from July 2019 to December 2020. A total of 235 patients including males and females of different age groups, manifesting anemic clinical history, diminished hematological parameters and showing microcytic hypochromic blood film, were selected for the study. Sysmex K-1000 auto analyzer and Roche Elecsys 2010 immunoassay analyzer were used for the measurements of various hematological parameters and ferritin respectively. Stained blood films were also prepared to examine red blood cell morphology and their staining pattern.

Results: Serum ferritin results were statistically analyzed against Hb and other hematological parameters. Significant correlation (P > 0.05) was observed in low serum ferritin groups with iron deficiency anemia of both males and females. However, this correlation was not observed in normal and high ferritin groups of both genders. Also low serum ferritin levels did not show any strong correlation with the age of the patients. Similarly, it was also found that when serum ferritin significantly varies from subnormal values towards normal or above normal levels, a significant difference results in Hb levels accordingly and more or less in other hematological parameters, indicating a strong interdependence. No such relationship in serum ferritin and age of the patient was observed. The results were also supported by hypochromic, microcytic blood picture and by investigating clinical history of the patient.

Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia can be treated and cured with proper diagnosis, diet and treatment. Therefore, to investigate and differentiate iron deficiency anemia among other different types of anemias, serum ferritin determination is decisive in diagnosis as it decreases only in this type of anemia as is established in the study conducted.