Study the Correlation of Red Blood Cell Indices and Electrolytes Imbalance in Anemic Patients in Ibb City, Yemen

Background: Anemia is a widespread illness. It is often associated with an electrolyte imbalance. The correlation between electrolytes and anemia is crucial. Electrolyte balance is essential for maintaining the shape and function of red blood cells (RBC), including the exchange of O 2 and CO 2 . Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between RBC indices and electrolyte imbalance in anemic patients, Ibb City, Yemen. Methods: This study included 400 participants, consisting of 200 anemic patients and 200 non-anemic (controls). Approximately 5 mL of blood was collected directly from newly diagnosed anemic treatment-naïve patients and divided into tubes with and without EDTA to estimate RBC indices and serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium) directly. Results: Red cell indices (Hb, RBC, MCV, HCT, MCH, and MCHC) and electrolyte levels (potassium, calcium, and magnesium) were decreased significantly among patients compared to controls. Serum sodium was not significantly different. Notably, levels of chloride were considerably higher in anemic individuals. Odds ratio (OR) of hypo-electrolytemia with anemia, including hypo-magnesemia (OR=4.928, 95% CI: 2.278– 10.47), hypo-kalemia (OR=2.967, 95% CI: 1.551– 5.581), and hypo-calcemia (OR=2.833, 95% CI: 1.887– 4.236), was significantly higher in anemic patients compared to controls. In contrast, OR of hyponatremia did not show a significant difference (OR =1.438, 95% CI: 0.9522– 2.143). Notably, hyper-natremia was identified in the patient group, with no existence in controls, resulting in an infinite odds ratio (OR=∞, 95% CI: 0.5262-∞). Additionally, there were significant positive correlations between sodium and calcium levels with Hb, RBC, and HCT, as well as between magnesium levels with MCV and MCH. In contrast, significant negative correlations were found between chloride, magnesium, and calcium levels and Hb, RBC, and MCV, respectively. Conclusion: The study concluded a correlation and a significant disparity in serum electrolytes, particularly calcium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride, among anemic patients. Keywords: correlation, RBC, indices, electrolyte, imbalance, anemia