Prevalence of microcytosis in neonates: a cross-sectional study in Tehran

  Background :Identification of α thalassemia (α thal) a common cause of microcytosis during neonatal periods is an important step prevent unnecessary interventions. Thus, low the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) may consider as α-thalassemia key detection points. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of microcytosis among neonates who born in Tehran, Iran.   Methods : Cord blood samples were collected from 1001 newborns after birth in labor room and their red blood cell parameters were investigated.   Results : MCV was 114.2 fl (95% CI: 113.5-114.9) and twenty three neonates (2.3%) had MCV less than 94 fL that classified as microcytosis and 4 (0.40%) had both low MCH and MCV.   Conclusion : Low MCV especially in normal Hb newborns may hints for α thal detection.