Serum iron, ferritin, hemoglobin and hematimetric indices as indicators of iron deficiency anemia in patients at the Daule Specialty Center

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia affects the transport and metabolism of iron, which is essential for red blood cell production. Iron deficiency reduces hemoglobin levels. The objective of this study was to analyze serum iron, ferritin, hemoglobin, and hematimetric indices as indicators of iron deficiency anemia in patients at the Daule Specialty Center, addressing the need to understand this condition affecting the population. The methodology employed was non-experimental, retrospective, analytical, and cross-sectional cohort, with a population of 1350 and a sample of 208 patients calculated using probabilistic sampling. The results revealed that the sample consisted of 64.9% women and 35.1% men. Serum iron levels were distributed as follows: 9.1% low, 90.4% normal, and 0.5% high. Ferritin levels were distributed as follows: 9.1% low, 78.8% normal, and 12% high. Hemoglobin levels were 21.2% low, 73.6% normal, and 5.3% high. Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) was 6.7% low, 91.8% normal, and 1.4% high; Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) was 13.5% low, 85.1% normal, and 1.4% high; and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) was 54.8% low, 37% normal, and 8.2% high. A significant association was found between low ferritin (p=0.000) and hemoglobin (p=0.039) levels and iron deficiency anemia. It was concluded that ferritin and hemoglobin are the most sensitive and reliable markers for iron deficiency anemia. Parameters such as serum iron and hematimetric indices did not show a significant association in the study population.