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Reference intervals of serum transferrin receptors in pre-school children in Zimbabwe
Ishmael Kasvosve1, Zvenyika A R Gomo, Kusum J Nathoo
1Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe. ikasvosve@medsch.uz.ac.zw
Insights
This study establishes the first reference range for serum transferrin receptor concentration in Zimbabwean children. The normal range was determined to be 3.9-9.5 mg/L, with younger children having lower levels.
Area of Science:
- Laboratory Medicine
- Pediatric Hematology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Establishing reference ranges for biological analytes is crucial for accurate clinical interpretation.
- A specific reference interval for serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) concentration in Zimbabwean children was previously unavailable.
- Serum transferrin receptor levels can indicate iron status and are influenced by various factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the reference interval for serum transferrin receptor concentration in healthy Zimbabwean children aged 3-60 months.
- To identify potential age-related differences in serum transferrin receptor levels within this pediatric population.
- To provide a vital diagnostic tool for assessing iron status in African children.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 208 children aged 3-60 months in Harare, a region non-endemic for malaria and hookworm.
- Collection of anthropometric measurements, complete blood counts, and serum ferritin and transferrin receptor concentrations.
- Exclusion of children with abnormal clinical or laboratory findings to establish a reference group of 83 healthy pre-schoolers.
Main Results:
- The central 95th percentile reference interval for serum transferrin receptors was established as 3.9-9.5 mg/L.
- A statistically significant difference was observed, with children aged 24 months or younger exhibiting a lower reference range compared to older children.
- Factors known to affect serum transferrin receptors were accounted for in the analysis.
Conclusions:
- This study successfully established a reference interval for serum transferrin receptor concentration in Zimbabwean children.
- The findings highlight age-specific variations in serum transferrin receptor levels, crucial for accurate interpretation in pediatric populations.
- The established reference range, determined using the Ramco Laboratories assay kit, is valuable for clinical practice in the region.
Abstract:
In laboratory medicine an observed value of a biological analyte may be compared with previously observed values from an appropriate reference population. A reference range for serum transferrin receptor concentration has not been established for Zimbabwean children. We prospectively studied 208 children aged 3-60 months who were residents of Harare, a non-malaria and non-hookworm endemic area, and who attended a well-child clinic. Anthropometric measurements were calculated, complete blood counts performed and serum concentrations of ferritin and transferrin receptors determined. A final group of 83 pre-school children with no apparent illness was used to determine the serum transferrin receptor concentration reference interval after excluding individuals with abnormal clinical and laboratory investigations. The central 95 percentile interval for transferrin receptors after eliminating factors that are known to affect serum transferrin receptors was 3.9-9.5 mg/L. Children, aged < or =24 months had a lower reference range than children >24 months old. This study provides an estimate of the serum transferrin receptor reference intervals in African children using the Ramco Laboratories, Stafford, TX assay kit.
