A young female has the following lab values: Hemoglobin=9.8 gm%, MCV=70, serum iron= 50ug/dl, serum ferritin =100ng/dl, the diagnosis is?
Interpretation of parameters provided in question: MCV Decreased (N 80-100 fl) Serum iron Lower range of normal (N 50-150 ug/dl) Serum ferritin Normal (N 50-300 ng/ml) Hemoglobin Decreased (N 14-16 g/dl) Diagnosis of Thalassemia intermedia is based on H.P.L.C / Hemoglobin electrophoresis. Serum iron level is increased in Thalassemia because of increased intestinal absorption of iron and ongoing hemolysis. Hence choice A is ruled out. Due to low iron but normal ferritin iron deficiency is ruled out as serum ferritin is first to reduce in iron deficiency anemia. Choice B is ruled out. Since MCV is low it is a microcytic anemia. Choice C is ruled out. This is a likely case of anemia of chronic disease in which serum ferritin is normal to increased while the serum iron level is usually on the lower side.
Thalassemia intermedia
Chronic iron deficiency anaemia
Megaloblastic anaemia
Anaemia of chronic infection
Thalassemia