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Method for establishing serum ferritin reference values depending on sex and age
C Vicente1, G Porto, M de Sousa
1Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Establishing accurate serum ferritin reference values requires considering sex and age. This study determined specific reference ranges for different demographic subgroups within the Portuguese population.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Biostatistics
- Population Health
Background:
- Serum ferritin levels are crucial biomarkers for iron status and various health conditions.
- Existing reference values may not adequately account for demographic variations like sex and age.
- Accurate reference ranges are essential for correct clinical interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish sex- and age-specific reference values for serum ferritin in the Portuguese population.
- To investigate the influence of sex and age on serum ferritin levels.
- To develop a method for defining precise reference intervals for different subgroups.
Main Methods:
- A stratified random sample of 353 healthy Portuguese individuals was analyzed.
- Statistical methods, including lognormal distribution and prediction intervals, were employed.
- Reference values were calculated for distinct subgroups based on age and sex.
Main Results:
- Sex accounted for 23% of the variation in serum ferritin values, while age explained 6%.
- Age had a differential effect: serum ferritin increased with age in females over 40 and males under 40.
- Specific reference ranges were defined using percentiles and prediction intervals for different subgroups.
Conclusions:
- Serum ferritin reference values are significantly influenced by both sex and age.
- Age-related trends in serum ferritin differ between males and females.
- The proposed method provides a framework for establishing more accurate, demographic-specific reference values for serum ferritin.