Effect of iron therapy on red cell indices and hemoglobin subtypes on patients with beta-thalassemia trait who developed iron-deficiency anemia: a tertiary center experience

AbstractBackgroundThe combination of beta-thalassemia trait (BTT) and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is an interesting common issue in our country. However, treatment of this condition is challenging.ObjectivesThis prospective observational study was designed to evaluate the effect of oral iron therapy on red cell indices, iron status, and hemoglobin A2levels in patients with BTT who developed IDA.Patients and methodsA total of 50 patients with BTT who developed IDA were included. A complete blood count, iron status, and follow-up hemoglobin electrophoresis by high-performance liquid chromatography were done. The patients with BTT received oral iron therapy of 60mg elemental iron three times/day for a period of 5 months, and the investigations were repeated after 3 and 5 months of treatment.ResultsThere was a statistically significant increase in hemoglobin level (P<0.001 each), mean corpuscular volume (P<0.001 each), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (P=0.004 andP<0.001, respectively), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (P=0.007 andP=0.001, respectively), serum iron (P<0.001 each), serum ferritin (P<0.001 each), and hemoglobin A2levels (P=0.001 andP=0.005, respectively), whereas significant decrease in the total iron-binding capacity (P=0.001, andP=0.005, respectively) after the third and fifth month of oral iron therapy.ConclusionIt is important to suspect, recognize, and correct IDA in patients with BTT and to repeat hemoglobin electrophoresis after iron therapy.