Insights into Maternal Health: Mentzer Index for Early Anemia Detection

Abstract

The Mentzer Index is a widely used hematological tool for differentiating between iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia, especially in resource-limited settings where advanced diagnostic options may be unavailable. Calculated as the ratio of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) to red blood cell (RBC) count, it provides a quick and accessible method for anemia screening. For values over 13, iron deficiency anemia is more likely, while values below 13 typically indicate thalassemia. This simplicity makes the Mentzer Index advantageous in primary healthcare and community health settings, supporting early detection and intervention for at-risk populations, including pregnant women and children. Despite its usefulness, the Mentzer Index has limitations, including reduced specificity and accuracy in cases of coexisting anemia types, variations in age, and ethnic differences. Factors such as chronic inflammation, pregnancy-induced hemodilution, and concurrent health conditions can alter MCV and RBC values, potentially skewing the index and leading to misclassification. Additionally, the standard cut-off value may not universally apply to all populations, highlighting a need for localized studies to validate the index for diverse demographic and clinical groups. Moreover, the index is reliant on accurate laboratory results, which can be challenging in low-resource settings with limited access to quality-controlled equipment.

Keywords: Mentzer Index, anemia detection, maternal health, iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, early diagnosis, pregnancy complications