Correlation of c-reactive protein and reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent in chronic kidney disease with iron deficiency anemia

Anemia is the most common complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Ret-He is an iron status parameter that is easier, cheaper, and less affected by inflammation. This study aims to analyze the correlation of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) with Ret-He in CKD with iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia was determined based on NKF-KDOQI. CRP levels were examined by ELISA and Ret-He levels by flow cytometry. Most subjects were in stage 5 of CKD. The mean age was 51.34±7.18 years. All of the subjects had hematological abnormalities. The mean Ret-He was 28.2±1.78 pg. There was no correlation between CRP and Ret-He (r =-0.062 and p = 0.585; r = 0.005 and p = 0.974; r =-0.140 and p = 0.390, for all groups, low-grade inflammation group, high-grade inflammation group, respectively). However, the mean of CRP in high-grade inflammatory group was the highest. Ret-He was not affected by inflammation in CKD patients with iron deficiency anemia.