Comparison of erythrocyte indices to differentiate between iron deficiency and alpha-thalassaemias in children with microcytosis and/or hypochromia

Erythrocyte indices used to differentiate between iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and thalassaemias have been studied mainly in countries with a high prevalence of IDA or beta-thalassaemias. This study was carried out in the United Arab Emirates where alpha-thalassaemias are prevalent. We studied the predictive value and Youden index of several indices in 85 children aged 6 months to 12 years with microcytosis and/or hypochromia, with or without anaemia (determined by serum measurement of iron or therapeutic iron trial). The best discriminatory indices for detecting IDA versus alpha-thalassaemias were a Green–King index 65 (correctly identified 75.3% of children, Youden index 44.3) and red cell distribution width 14% (correctly identified 57.8%, Youden index 38.1).