ROLE OF SERUM HEPCIDIN AND RETICULOCYTE HEMOGLOBIN CONCENTRATION IN EVALUATION OF ANEMIA IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: One of the most common extra-intestinal signs of ulcerative colitis (UC) disease is anemia, which has a considerable influence on patients’ quality of life. AIM: The aim was to evaluate the role of serum hepcidin and reticulocyte hemoglobin concentration (CHr) in the study of anemia in UC patients. Methodology: We recruited 80 UC patients and 30 healthy individuals of matched age and sex as controls. Subjects were subdivided into three groups – Group I: 50 anemic UC patients, Group II: 30 nonanemic UC patients, and Group III: 30 healthy controls. Results: CHr showed a statistically highly significant decline in Group I than Groups II and III. Serum hepcidin showed a significant difference between Groups I, II, and III. Also, a significant negative correlation between CHr, serum hepcidin and severity of UC and a significant positive correlation between CHr and hemoglobin level, MCV, serum ferritin, and transferrin S. While serum hepcidin had a significant positive correlation with hemoglobin level, MCV, serum ferritin, transferrin S., and CHr. Conclusion: CHr had an excellent performance in prediction of iron-restricted anemia and was the test of best performance in prediction of iron-deficiency anemia ± ACD. Serum hepcidin had an excellent performance in prediction of ACD.