Red Cell Parameters in Beta Thalassemia Trait; Comparison between Iron Deficient and Non-Deficient Carriers

Objective: To compare hematological parameters in iron-deficient and non-deficient carriers of beta thalassemia trait. Study Design And Setting: Comparative cross-sectional study. This study was conducted at the Department of Hematology at PNS SHIFA Hospital, Karachi for six months (February 2023 to July 2023). Methodology: This comparative cross-sectional study included a total of 304 cases with beta thalassemia trait and was divided into two groups; the Iron-deficient (ID+) and iron-deficient (ID-) group. The study focused on red cell parameters i.e, Hemoglobin (Hb), TRBC, MCV, MCH and RDW. Haemoglobin Electrophoresis results of both groups were also compared. Descriptive statistics were expressed as mean ± SD and the Chi-square test was assigned. A p-value = 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of the total 304 subjects, 76 (25.0%) had iron deficiency, and 228 (75.0) had sufficient iron stores. Mean age of patients was 18 (Range: 3 – 35) years. HbA levels were similar in both the groups with p-value > 0.05. While all other parameters compared showed marked differences among the two groups and were found to be statistically significant. Hb, TRBC, MCV MCH showed lower values in the ID+ group while RDW was lower in the ID- group. Conclusion: Red Cell parameters and HBA2 levels in beta thalassemia trait vary significantly among the iron deficient vs non-deficient group. Hence due consideration is needed in screening of beta thalassemia trait in patients with iron deficiency anemia.