Significance of Mentzer Index and Erythrocyte Indices to Evaluate Erythrocyte Morphology and Spectrum of Anemia in Adult Population in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Rural Haryana

Anemia, reduced red cell mass below normal range, results in reduction of oxygen carrying capacity of blood that results in tissue hypoxia. MCV, MCH, MCH and RDW represent a sensitive indicator to study erythrocyte morphology. Mentzer Index recommended MI<13 to be suggestive of â-TT and MI>13 for Iron deficiency anemia. 100 cases were analyzed prospectively over a span of 1 year at MMIMSR, Mullana. The study revealed 34% of patients to be in age group of 21-30 years with (59%) female predominance out of which majority of cases were of moderate anemia (73%). Erythrocyte indices revealed pattern with majority of samples having MCV, MCH and MCHC to be in normal range while RDW showed increased values. Mentzer index came out to be >14 in 96% of samples. To conclude evaluation of erythrocyte indices and Mentzer index aids in quatitative assessment of anemia and also to distinguish between iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia trait.