Serum ferritin-based assessment of iron deficiency anemia in individuals with β-thalassemia trait.

Abstract

Objective: The study aims to evaluate the potential coexistence of iron deficiency and BTT. Additionally, this study assesses the effect of iron deficiency on haematological indices of individuals with BTT. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Noor Thalassemia Foundation, Lahore. Period: May 2024 and May 2025. Methods: Model and involved the random selection of 74 participants, including parents of known beta thalassemia major cases and patients with beta thalassemia trait (HbA2 >3.5%), who visited the OPD department of a private thalassemia center in Lahore. 5ml venous blood was drawn and subjected to complete blood count CBC, Haemoglobin electrophoresis, and serum ferritin measurement. Results: Out of 74 participants, 65 were females and 9 were males. Iron deficiency, characterized by a serum ferritin concentration below 15 ng/mL, was found in 23 individuals, while 42 individuals had a serum ferritin concentration above 15 ng/mL. Mean levels of HbA₂ were 5.6±0.4%, mean haemoglobin concentration was 10.24±1.36g/dL, mean MCV was 64.73±7.32fL, and mean MCH was 19.94±4.04%. The mean value of serum ferritin levels in our study population was 34.74±32.27 ng/mL. Conclusion: A total of 23 individuals (31%) were found to be iron deficient. Iron deficiency reduced the red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, and MCV while it increased the RDW in BTT individuals (p<0.05), indicating that iron deficiency significantly affects the haematological indices in carriers of BTT.