Significance of sTfR and SI in the diagnosis of early iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy

Objective:To evaluate the sensitivity and the specificity of sTfR and SI in the assessment of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women.Methods:A total of 100 blood samples obtained from 50 pregnant women with iron-deficient anemia and 50 normal pregnant mother were measured by immunoassay.Results:In 50 pregnant women with iron-deficient anemia,the median of sTfR and SI was (3.011±2.026)mg/L and (10.704±3.462 )μmol/L,respectively.In 50 normal pregnant women,the median of sTfR and SF was(2.047±0.803)mg/L and(18.542±4.835 )umol/L,respectively.There were significant differences in the median of sTfR and SI between these two groups (P0.05,P0.01).The sensitivity of sTfR and SF was 80% and 30% respectively and the specificity of sTfR and SF was 84% and 94% respectively.Conclusion:sTfR appears to be a better diagnostic test than SI for early iron deficiency in pregnancy.