Impact of iron therapy on Mentzer index and red cell distribution width index in primary school children with iron deficiency anemia

Abstract

Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a common nutritional problem, especially in school-age children. Due to the many examinations that are needed to be performed and the invasive gold standard procedure, an easy and simple alternative examination to diagnose IDA is needed. Objective To determine the impact of iron therapy on Mentzer and red cell distribution width (RDW) indexes of children with IDA. Methods A randomized open clinical trial was conducted in primary school aged children in North Aek Nabara, between November 2006 and November 2007. IDA was determined based on WHO criteria. Subjects with severe anemia were excluded. Subjects were randomly assigned to groups that received either iron therapy or a placebo. Results Three-hundred subjects from aged 9 to 12 years old were recruited and 104 subjects completed the study. The mean RDW index of the iron and placebo groups after three months observation were 239.96 (SD 39.25) and 235.17 (SD 31.77), respectively. The mean Mentzer index mean for the iron therapy and placebo groups after three months observation were 16.08 (SD 1.98) and 16.20 (SD 2.27), respectively. Conclusion After therapy, there are no significant differences in either the Mentzer or RDW indexes between the therapy and placebo groups.

Keywords

• anemia
• iron supplementation
• RDW
• Mentzer