289 - Il parametro IRF (immature reticulocyte fraction) in atleti di élite

G. Banfi, R. Graziani, A. Dolci, G. Melegati. Background. Reticulocytes’ counts and values of their related parameters are now easily and precisely supplied by automatic systems. The introduction of these parameters in physiology and pathology could be important, but further studied should be performed to define their use. The immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) is a parameter which describes the maturation of reticulocytes and could be useful in pathology and also in peculiar physiological situations, as in sport activities. Methods. The study has been performed by using an Abbott system on a wide number of élite athletes of different sports. Results. The IRF mean of athletes was in reference range, calculated on the general population, but their values were quite high, indipendently from kind of sport and from period of the sport season. Conclusions. The IRF values testify the continuous and physiological stimulation of the bone marrow in the élite athletes. The evaluation of athletes, even for legal purposes, must include this item.