RBC INDICES, PERIPHERAL SMEAR AND PLATELET INDICES CORRELATION FOR MICROCYTIC ANEMIA ASSESSMENT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Aim

The current study aims to explore the relationship among platelet indices, RBC indices and peripheral blood smears in the assessment of microcytic hypochromic anemia.

 Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar over the duration of a February 2021 to March 2022, which included 4560 cases comprising indoor and outdoor patients. Peripheral blood smear stained with Leishman were made using blood samples obtained in EDTA tubes. Automated cell counters were for analysis of complete blood counts including hemoglobin, RBC indices and other hematological parameters.

 Results

Among 4560 cases, 51.63% were male and 48.37% were female, and adults in their thirties (19.35%) were the group most affected. The most prevalent morphological type was microcytic hypochromic anemia (48.10%), mostly of intermediate severity (63.47%), affecting females and children. Normocytic normochromic anemia (41.01%) was primarily mild (61.52%) and common among the elderly. Macrocytic anemia (11.54%) showed no significant age or severity variations. Only 4.08% cases had dimorphic anemia, with 63.7% being mild.

 Conclusion

Anemia's prevalence and severity vary across age groups due to diverse underlying causes. As individuals age progresses, anemia becomes more common, linked to infections, inflammation, chronic diseases, and reduced bone marrow response. Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning require identifying cause, type, and severity of anemia.

 Recommendations

According to the study, healthcare providers should monitor age-related anemia prevalence and severity. Consider infections, inflammation, chronic illnesses, and diminished bone marrow response when examining patients, especially as they age. To optimize patient outcomes, accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment regimens should focus on anemia etiology, type, and severity.