Diagnostic Accuracy of Red Cell Distribution Width in Mild Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Women of Childbearing Age

Abstract

Background: To determine the accuracy of red cell
distribution width-coefficient of variation (RDWCV)
in detection of mild iron deficiency anaemia in
women of child bearing age by comparing it with
serum ferritin level.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study one hundred
eighty women of child bearing age between 15-45
years with mild anaemia(Haemoglobin 9-11 g/dl)
were selected. Complete blood count (including
RDW-CV) was performed using automated
haematology analyzer Sysmex XT 2000i. RDWCVvalue
of more than 17% was taken as cutoff.
Those patients having RDW-CV>17% and a low
serum ferritin < 15 ng/ml were taken as true
positives while those with RDW-CV <17% and a
high serum ferritin > 15 ng/ ml were taken as true
negatives. False positives were those having a serum
ferritin of > 15 ng/ml and RDW-CV of >17% while
false negative were those having a serum ferritin of
< 15 ng/ml and RDW of < 17%.
Results: Mean age of patients was 30± 4 years.
Seventy (39%) patients were true positive while 65
(36%) patients were true negative. Sixty four patients
(35.5%) were pregnant females and 116(64%) were
non-pregnant females. Among the pregnant patients,
21 patients (32.8%) were true positive. Among nonpregnant
females 69 patients (59.5%) were true
positive.
Conclusion: RDW-CV has diagnostic significance
as an early indicator of iron deficiency.