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Lower Plasma Soluble Transferrin Receptor Range in Healthy Indian Pediatric Cohort as Compared to Asian and Western
P Bhatia1, D Siyaram1, Deepshikha1
1Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012 India.
Insights
This study establishes normal soluble transferrin receptor levels in healthy children aged 2-12 years. The findings reveal lower levels than previously reported, highlighting the need for age-specific reference ranges in pediatric diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Soluble serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) reflects iron-dependent erythropoiesis.
- Adult sTfR levels range from 2-5 mg/l, with pediatric ranges reported lower (1.0-3.0 mg/l).
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normal soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) reference ranges in healthy children aged 2-12 years.
- To address the scarcity of pediatric sTfR data.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of 40 healthy children (2-12 years).
- Detection of sTfR levels using sensitive ELISA methodology.
Main Results:
- Mean sTfR levels in the study cohort were 0.39 mg/l (range: 0.17-2.1 mg/l).
- These levels were significantly lower compared to previously reported mean values (4.39 mg/l in Western studies, 2.0 mg/l in national studies).
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need to establish population-specific and age-specific normal ranges for sTfR.
- Standardized testing and reporting methods are essential for accurate interpretation of pediatric sTfR levels in clinical diagnostics.
Abstract:
Soluble serum transferrin receptor is derived from erythroid transferrin receptor expressed on surface of developing erythroid cells. It can be detected in blood using sensitive ELISA methodology and blood levels reflect physiological iron dependent erythropoiesis state in bone marrow. Normal adult levels vary from 2 to 5 mg/l. However, pediatric studies are few and describe normal ranges to the tune of 1.0-3.0 mg/l, which are relatively lower than that of adults. In present study 40 healthy children (2-12 years) were evaluated to establish normal soluble transferrin receptor range. The mean transferrin receptor levels were 0.39 mg/l with a range of 0.17-2.1 mg/l. The levels were low as compared to mean levels described in other studies from West and our country (4.39 and 2.0 mg/l respectively). Since, no internationally standard method for reporting and testing for transferrin receptor levels are yet available, hence it is imperative to establish normal control ranges in different population cohorts, especially in pediatric age group, to better interpret their levels in diagnostic context.
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