University Publications

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affected small joint in the hand and feet causing swelling that can result in bone erosion and joint deformity, anemia is the most common and serious blood abnormality seen in rheumatoid arthritis. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the levels of serum iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) and Red blood cells parameters among Sudanese rheumatoid arthritis patients. Material and Methods: This is cross-sectional laboratory based study included 50 patient diagnosed by rheumatoid arthritis disease admitted to Omdurman Military Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan during period January to February 2020.Red blood cells parameters were determined using fully automated hematology analyzer (Sysmex N21).The serum levels of iron and TIBC were estimated using fully automated chemistry analyzer (Mendary BS200). Data were collected directly from each subject using direct predesigned questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS statistical package of social science (SPSS version 21). Results: The present study showed that 68% of rheumatic were anemic patients (32%) were non-anemic. The frequency of the types of anemia showed that 35% of anemic rheumatoid arthritis patients have iron deficiency anemia and 64% have anemia of chronic disease. The mean of serum iron was statistically significant decreased among anemic rheumatoid arthritis compared with non-anemic rheumatoid arthritis patients (45.3 ug/dl ves 77.8 ug/dl with P value 0.00).Total iron binding capacity was significant decreased in anemic compared with those non anemic (270 ug/dlvis 212ug/dl with P value 0.00).The hematology parameters in this study Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC levels were significant reduced in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis when compared to reference value with P value less than 0.05. Conclusion: Anemia of chronic disease was predominantly among Sudanese rheumatoid arthritis patients. Serum iron and total iron binding capacity were significant diminished among anemic rheumatoid arthritis compared with non-anemic rheumatoid arthritis patients.