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The correlation of transferrin saturation and ferritin in non-splenectomized thalassemic children
S Wangruangsathit1, P Hathirat, A Chuansumrit
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Insights
Serum ferritin can be estimated using transferrin saturation (TS) when direct measurement is not feasible for children with thalassemia. This aids in monitoring iron overload and chelation therapy effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Thalassemia poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in Thailand.
- Iron overload is a critical complication impacting the lifespan of thalassemia patients.
- Accurate assessment of body iron stores is crucial for managing iron chelation therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and serum ferritin in children with thalassemia.
- To establish a method for estimating serum ferritin levels using readily available parameters.
- To facilitate effective monitoring of iron stores and chelation therapy in thalassemic patients.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 79 children diagnosed with thalassemia diseases, aged 1 to 17 years.
- Measurements included serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and serum ferritin.
- Transferrin saturation (TS) was calculated as (serum iron/TIBC) x 100.
Main Results:
- A strong correlation was found between transferrin saturation (TS) and serum ferritin (r = 0.956, p = 0.000).
- The derived equation TS = 10.253 In (ferritin) allows for estimation of serum ferritin.
- For instance, a TS of 70.83% corresponds to a serum ferritin level of 1,000 ng/ml.
Conclusions:
- Transferrin saturation (TS) can serve as a reliable alternative to serum ferritin measurement when direct assessment is not feasible.
- This method enables effective estimation of iron stores in thalassemic children.
- The findings support improved assessment and monitoring of iron chelation therapy in thalassemia management.
Abstract:
Thalassemia is a public health problem in Thailand. Progressive iron overload is the life-limiting complication commonly found in thalassemic patients. The assessment of body iron stores is essential for determining the need and efficacy of iron chelation. The parameters of serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and serum ferritin were studied in 79 children with thalassemia diseases. The ages ranged from 1 to 17 years with a mean of 7 years and 10 months. Neither of them had clinical symptoms of hepatitis. The correlation between transferrin saturation (TS = serum iron/TIBC x 100) and serum ferritin was shown in the equation of TS = 10.253 In (ferritin) (r = 0.956, p = 0.000). For example, TS = 70.83 per cent indicates serum ferritin of 1,000 ng/ml. Thus, where serum ferritin is not feasible but serum iron and TIBC are available, TS can be used to estimate the level of serum ferritin. Therefore, the assessment of iron stores and monitoring of iron chelation in thalassemic patients can be effectively achieved.