Iron deficiency in non-anemic individuals: a retrospective analysis of Libyan population

Iron deficiency may be severe despite a normal hemoglobin and full blood count. Since iron losses not met iron intake, iron stores depleted and non-anemic iron deficiency (NAID), occurs preceding iron deficiency anemia (IDA). NAID is a diagnostic challenge. Ferritin concentration is the most sensitive and specific test used for identification of iron deficiency. The study designed to determine the prevalence of Non-anemic iron deficiency (NAID). In addition, the correlation between serum ferritin with iron and hemoglobin levels in NAID. The study included (35 males and 110 females) non-anemic patients, recruited from the Al Akeed laboratory after completed a questionnaire to obtain clinical information and analyzed through SPSS version 24. Blood samples collected and analyzed for iron variables (Serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation, ferritin, and hemoglobin (Hb). Based on ferritin levels non-anemic patients divided into two groups, the proportion of Normo-ferritin was 47.6% with normal iron level (96.7±50.8), Hb (13.5±2.0) UIBC (250.4±103.3) and TIBC, (342.0±94.9). Hemoglobin had significant correlation with MCHC, MCH, and MCV in this group. Low-ferritin level were 11.8±7.1 ng/mL in 76 cases suggesting the prevalence of sub-clinical iron deficiency in 52.4% cases. The levels of iron, Hemoglobin were normal. Ferritin had positive correlation with iron levels, Hemoglobin and MCH, and a highly significant but negative correlation with UIBC and TIBC. The ferritin level can be helpful in early recognition and diagnosis of IDA with appropriate interpretation of IDA. A direct relationship of iron, ferritin and transferrin with hemoglobin in non-anemic. Iron deficiency.