Soluble transferrin receptors in microcytic and hypochromic anemias

Soluble transferrin receptors determination is a promising new diagnostic tool for early detection of iron deficiency and also for differentiating iron deficiency anemia from other causes of microcytic and hypochromic anemias. Purpose of this study was to establish the reference range for sTfR in Pakistani population and also to evaluate the role of sTfR as a differentiating marker in the diagnosis of hypochromic and microcytic anemias. Iron deficiency anemia had the highest level of sTfR as compared to normal controls. Anemia of chronic disorders had normal levels of sTfR except in malaria. In ß thalassemia minor the sTfR levels were high as compared to normal controls. In ß thalassemia minor patients with concomitant iron deficiency mean levels of sTfR were almost similar to that of iron deficiency anemia. Soluble transferrin receptors determination can be used as a single test in uncomplicated cases for the diagnosis of microcytic and hypochromic anemias.