The utility of red blood cells distribution width in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia in children

Introduction: Children's most prevalent dietary deficit is iron. Anemia affects 25% of the world's population, mostly preschoolers and women, according to WHO. The aim compare red blood cell distribution width serum ferritin, iron, total iron binding capacity, mean corpuscular volume, hemoglobin concentration, in diagnosing deficiency anemia. Method: Karbala teaching hospital for children did a prospective research. Two hundred aged 6 months 5 years with microcytic anemia (mean < 80 fl, 11 g/dl, ferritin 20 μg/ml) were assessed from January 15, 2011 2012. Iron-treated blood-transfused patients excluded. History, clinical examination, complete count, cells width, hemoglobin, Reticulocyte count percent, electrophoresis, film, capacity evaluated. Children separated into three groups based on levels: mild (hemoglobin=10-10.9 g/dl) (30), moderate (148), severe (22). Controls 30 non-iron-deficient non-anemic (hemoglobin > g/dl). Results: 130 boys (65%) 70 girls (35%). severity reduced ferritin. mild, moderate, was 18.5%, 19.9%, 22%, respectively. Mean increased decreased (serum volume), capacity), normal (<14%) control group. Conclusion: Red highly sensitive specific diagnostic tool anemia; especially medical centers lacking hematologist read smear.