Role of myeloperoxidase index in differentiation of megaloblastic and aplastic anemia

BACKGROUND: Elevated neutrophil myeloperoxidase may have a role in the diagnosis of megaloblastic erythropoiesis.
AIMS: To study the differentiating role of myeloperoxidase index in megaloblastic and aplastic anemia.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The myeloperoxidase index (MPXI) was studied in 96 patients with megaloblastic and aplastic anemia diagnosed on bone marrow aspiration and biopsy examinations.
METHODS AND MATERIALS: MPXI was measured with Technicon H1 (Bayer) automated analyzer. Nonparametric Mann-Whitney statistical test was used to compare the MPXI values between groups.
RESULTS: The mean MPXI in megaloblastics and aplastic anemia was 18.3 and 1.8 (p<0.001) respectively. MPXI >20 denoted megaloblastic and MPXI <-11.6 denoted aplastic anemia.
CONCLUSION: MPXI measurement may assist differentiation of megaloblastic from aplastic anemia, while MPXI >20 rules out aplastic and MPXI <-11.6 rules out megaloblastic anemia.