Cytomorphometric assessment and micronuclei assay in iron deficiency anemic females – An Exfoliative Cytological Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: The ubiquitous form of iron is an essential nutrient for most tissues and its deficiency brings about recognizable deleterious effect on various tissues. Oral manifestation in iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are frequent and significant indicator of the underlying disease. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine quantitative cytological changes in exfoliative buccal smears of iron deficiency anemic subjects, followed by a comparison with a control group on the basis of various morphometric parameters. Material and methods: The study included 40 subjects (females with IDA) and 40 apparently healthy subjects (age range 6 – 60 years). Papanicolaou and Giemsa stained smears were prepared from the exfoliated buccal mucosal samples. The quantitative assessment of cellular diameter (CD), nuclear diameter (ND) and nuclear to cellular ratio (N:C) was done using Image J analysis software version 1.49t and average micronuclei count of 100 clearly defined unfolded epithelial cells for each subject was evaluated under light microscopy. Results: This study shows that compared to the control group, IDA females for all age groups exhibited features like lower mean CD, higher mean ND, higher mean N: C ratio and increased average micronuclei count. Conclusions: IDA brings about cytological changes in oral mucosa and the present study further substantiates this existing fact. Through the use of exfoliative smears, the early diagnosis, regular monitoring and post medication follow-up will have better patient compliance. Thus dental professionals should be encouraged to incorporate exfoliative cytology in their diagnostic aids.