Role of reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent in early detection of iron deficiency anemia in regular hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Background: The reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (RET-HE) level is a valuable measure that enables the early detection of anaemia in patients prior to its manifestation. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the role of RET-HE in early detection of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in hemodialysis individuals to determine iron supplementation needs.Methods: This work was performed on 200 regular hemodialysis individuals for three months or more, on recombinant human erythropoietin and older than 18 up to 70 years. Reticulocyte hemoglobin percent was measured.Results: The mean RET-HE equivalent was 33.18±3.86. A substantial variation was existed among before and after hemodialysis as regard creatinine and urea. A statistically substantial variation was existed among RET-HE equivalent regarding validity. Conclusion: The RET-HE measure has been regarded as a valuable alternative in assessing IDA among regular recipients of hemodialysis. RET-HE shown a rapid rise subsequent to the administration of iron supplementation. Consequently, it may serve as an early indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of intravenous iron supplements.