Is Elevated Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration Valuable for Neonatal Hereditary Spherocytosis Screening?

Abstract

Introduction:: The elevated Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) were reported in neonates with hereditary spherocytosis. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of elevated MCHC as a screening test for the diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis in newborns. Methods and Material:: We revised records of 1301 neonates with diagnosis of severe hyperbilirubinemia from September 23, 2009 to September 22, 2011. The cases with MCHC ≥ 36g% were selected. Osmotic fragility test and cell blood counts were performed for cases that were enrolled in the study. Statistical analysis used: Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 15.0 (SPSS, Inc., , , ). Chi-square test and T-correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis Results: Out of a total 1301neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia, 59 of them had MCHC ≥ 36 g%. Fifty two of 59 selected neonates were finally studied. All of them had MCHC ≤ 35.7g% and a normal osmotic fragility test. Conclusions: Elevated MCHC is not a reliable screening test for the diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis in neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia or anemia.