EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF MENTZER INDEX FOR SCREENING OF BETA - THALASSEMIA TRAIT IN ANTENATAL WOMEN

• SUKHMANJIT KAUR,*  
• SANGEETA PAHWA,  
• SIMRAN KAKKAR,  
• JAPJI KAUR

Abstract

Introduction: The individuals with thalassemia trait usually have an asymptomatic course and have mild microcytic hypochromic anemia. As the other cause of microcytic anemia is iron deficiency, it is important to differentiate it from thalassemia trait. Objective: To evaluate efficacy of Mentzer index for screening of Beta Thalassemia trait in antenatal women. Methods: This observational study was conducted in Gynaecology & Obstetrics Department of Sri Guru Ram Das Charitable Hospital Amritsar from Jan 2023 to Oct 2023. A total of 130 antenatal women with mild anemia were included in the study. For evaluation of microcytic hypochromic anemia Complete Blood Count, Peripheral Blood Smear, iron studies and Hb electrophoresis done. Sensitivity and specificity of Mentzer Index was calculated. Results: Out of total 130 patients with microcytic hypochromic anemia, 112 had Mentzer Index >13. 18 had Mentzer Index13. In current study Mentzer Index had sensitivity and specificity of 80 % and 95.65 % for beta thalassemia trait and 95.33% and 86.96% for IDA. Conclusion: Mentzer Index can be used as differentiating tool between iron deficiency anemia and beta thalassemia trait. High risk groups can then undergo definitive diagnostic tests. This can be helpful in resource poor settings for better compliance and cost effectiveness.

Keywords

Iron deficiency anemia, Beta thalassemia trait, Mentzer Index