Mentzer index
Nowadays, Mentzer index has become a topic of general interest to many people around the world. With the growth of technology and globalization, Mentzer index has taken a central role in our daily lives. Whether we are talking about Mentzer index on a personal, professional, or social level, its impact is undeniable. In this article, we will thoroughly explore the topic of Mentzer index and its relevance today. From its origins to its evolution in modern society, we will analyze the various aspects that make Mentzer index a topic of vital importance and interest for everyone.
| Mentzer index | |
|---|---|
| Purpose | in differentiating iron deficiency anemia from beta thalassemia |
The Mentzer index, described in 1973 by William C. Mentzer,[1] is the MCV divided by the RBC count. It is said to be helpful in differentiating iron deficiency anemia from beta thalassemia trait.[2][3]
The index is calculated from the results of a complete blood count. If the quotient of the mean corpuscular volume (MCV, in fL) divided by the red blood cell count (RBC, in million per microliter) is less than 13, β-thalassemia trait is said to be more likely. If the result is greater than 13, then iron-deficiency anemia is said to be more likely.[4][3]
The principle involved is as follows: In iron deficiency, the marrow cannot produce as many RBCs and they are small (microcytic), so the RBC count and the MCV will both be low, and as a result, the index will be greater than 13. Conversely, in thalassemia, which is a disorder of globin synthesis, the number of RBCs produced is normal, but the cells are smaller and more fragile. Therefore, the RBC count is normal, but the MCV is low, so the index will be less than 13.[5]
References
- ^ Mentzer WC (April 1973). "Differentiation of iron deficiency from thalassaemia trait". Lancet. 1 (7808): 882. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(73)91446-3. PMID 4123424.
- ^ Ntaios G, Chatzinikolaou A, Saouli Z, et al. (July 2007). "Discrimination indices as screening tests for beta-thalassemic trait". Ann. Hematol. 86 (7): 487–91. doi:10.1007/s00277-007-0302-x. PMID 17476506. S2CID 10499303.
- ^ a b "Beta Thalassemia Differential Diagnoses". emedicine.medscape.com. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ Joseph Mazza (15 January 2002). Manual of clinical hematology. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 152–. ISBN 978-0-7817-2980-2. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
- ^ "Mentzer Index". reference.medscape.com. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
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