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Iron deficient children and significance of serum ferritin

Abdus Sattar Khan1, Said Alam Shah

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Peshawar.

JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|November 25, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Serum ferritin is a more sensitive indicator for diagnosing iron deficiency anemia in children than other common tests. This finding helps in better identification and management of pediatric anemia.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Nutritional Anemia Research

Background:

  • Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent global health issue, particularly in children.
  • Accurate and sensitive diagnostic markers are crucial for timely intervention.
  • Traditional markers like hemoglobin and transferrin saturation have limitations in early detection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the diagnostic significance of serum ferritin in pediatric iron deficiency anemia.
  • To compare the sensitivity of serum ferritin with other established iron status indices.

Main Methods:

  • Children were classified as anemic or non-anemic based on hemoglobin and transferrin saturation levels.
  • Evaluated parameters included red cell morphology, hemoglobin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation, and serum ferritin.
  • Statistical analysis explored correlations between serum ferritin and other hematological parameters.

Main Results:

  • Serum ferritin levels were significantly lower in anemic children compared to non-anemic controls.
  • Serum ferritin demonstrated a positive correlation with age, hemoglobin, serum iron, and transferrin saturation.
  • A negative correlation was observed between serum ferritin and TIBC.

Conclusions:

  • Serum ferritin is a more sensitive and reliable indicator for diagnosing iron deficiency anemia in children.
  • It surpasses the diagnostic utility of serum iron, TIBC, and transferrin saturation.
  • Serum ferritin aids in the early and accurate identification of IDA in pediatric populations.
Abstract

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