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The Platelet Count/Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Ratio Distinguishes Combined Iron and Vitamin B12 Deficiency from Uncomplicated Iron Deficiency

International Journal of Hematology volume 81, pages 301–303 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Combined deficiencies of iron and cobalamin are common. The aims of this study were to investigate the significance of the parameters of the complete blood count (CBC) in differentiating microcytic anemia due to pure iron deficiency anemia (IDA) from anemia due to combined deficiencies of vitamin B12 and iron (IDA-B12). The study was carried out with 122 patients (100 female) who had microcytic red blood cell indices with IDA-B12 and 105 patients (95 female) with IDA. Group IDA-B12 patients had decreased hemoglobin levels, mean corpuscular volumes, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) levels, and MCH concentrations but had increased platelet counts (PLT). Using these parameters, we developed a PLT/MCH ratio parameter that has high values when IDA is accompanied by cobalamin deficiency. The cutoff value of >12.00, with a 74.6% sensitivity and a 41.9% specificity, appears to be the most convenient value for screening. We advise measuring the levels of cobalamin in patients with IDA associated with a high PLT/MCH ratio.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Departments of Hematology, Numune Training Hospital, 06010, Etlik-Ankara, Turkey

    Cengiz Beyan & Kürşat Kaptan

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Numune Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

    Esin Beyan

  3. Departments of Medical Ecology and Hydroclimatology, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Turkey

    Mustafa Turan

Authors
  1. Cengiz Beyan
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  2. Kürşat Kaptan
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  3. Esin Beyan
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  4. Mustafa Turan
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Correspondence to Cengiz Beyan.

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Beyan, C., Kaptan, K., Beyan, E. et al. The Platelet Count/Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Ratio Distinguishes Combined Iron and Vitamin B12 Deficiency from Uncomplicated Iron Deficiency. Int J Hematol 81, 301–303 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1532/IJH97.E0311

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1532/IJH97.E0311

Key words

  • Cobalamin deficiency
  • Combined anemia
  • Complete blood count
  • Iron deficiency
  • Red blood cell indices