Estimation of hemoglobin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity and serum ferritin levels in oral submucous fibrosis: A clinicopathological study

INTRODUCTION: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is also considered as an Asian version of sideropenic dysphagia, wherein chronic iron deficiency leads to mucosal susceptibility to irritants, such as chillies and areca nut products. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels, in particular, serum iron levels, are considered as biochemical indicators for nutritional assessment. Serum iron content can thus be a predictor for the progression of the condition, and there appears to be an association between serum iron content and oral carcinogenesis. Therefore, biochemical assessment of oral precancerous conditions may help in early diagnosis and prognosis. Hence, the present study was aimed to evaluate Hb, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and serum ferritin in OSMF patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty cases of OSMF were staged clinically and graded histopathologically to assess the levels of Hb, serum iron, TIBC and serum ferritin and compared with normal subjects. The results were compared using t-test, ANOVA, and Tukeys multiple post hoc procedures. RESULTS: It was observed that the levels of Hb, serum iron and serum ferritin levels gradually reduced in OSMF patients compared with controls and as the clinical stage and histological grade of OSMF progressed with a statistically significant P < 0.05. It was observed that the levels of TIBC gradually increased in OSMF patients compared with controls and as the clinical stage and histological grade of OSMF progressed with a statistically significant P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: The Hb, serum iron and serum ferritin levels in OSMF patients were reduced and TIBC increased as compared with controls and as the clinical stage and histological grade of OSMF advances indicating their role as a reliable biochemical indicator.