Microcytic Anemia Among patient In Al-Bayda Medical Educational Center through Complete Blood Count

Microcytic anemia is a common hematologic disorder primarily caused by iron deficiency, and to a lesser extent by thalassemia and chronic diseases such as renal failure. It is characterized by the presence of red blood cells (RBCs) with reduced mean corpuscular volume (MCV), leading to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity and associated with some symptom's. This study aimed to assess the hematological parameters of patients with microcytic anemia in comparison with healthy group, while identifying the most prevalent underlying causes and associated demographic patterns. The study was conducted at Al-Bayda Medical Educational Center, Libya, in May 2024. A total of 61 participants (30 patients and 31 healthy controls), aged between 18 and 60 years, were included. Blood samples were analyzed using automated hematology analyzers to measure Hb, RBC count, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and HCT. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v23, with significance set at p < 0.05. The study revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.000) between patients and controls in all measured hematological parameters. The causes of microcytic anemia among the 30 patients were identified based on their medical records. iron deficiency was the most frequent diagnosis (80%), followed by anemia of chronic renal disease (13.3%) and thalassemia (6.7%). Among the patient group, 90% were female, reflecting a gender predominance in this population. Iron deficiency remains the leading cause of microcytic anemia in the studied population, predominantly affecting women of reproductive age. Routine hematological screening, nutritional interventions, and awareness programs are essential for early detection, prevention, and management. Further research is recommended to investigate the molecular mechanisms and long-term impacts of iron deficiency on health and quality of life. KEYWORDS: Iron deficiency anemia, microcytic anemia, hematological parameters.