A comparison of transferred receptor with other iron assessment measures in an upper-income post partum Jamaican...

Iron (Fe) deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in the world. During their reproductive years, women are especially vulnerable. However, methods of assessing Fe deficiency in countries where both Fe deficiency and infection frequently coexist, are not optimal. Frequently used methods do not differentiate between anemia due to Fe deficiency or that due to inflammation. This study compared several Fe assessment methods (Plasma ferritin, serum transferrin receptor (s-TfR), and erythrocyte protoporphyrin) in a six week, post-partum, upper income sample. A variety of socio-economic, hematological, and dietary information was collected from 73 Jamaican women. S-TfR values were compared with the other Fe assessment indices using sensitivity/specificity/predictive value analysis. Results indicated that anemia (Hb < 12.0 g/dl) was present in 37.5% of the sample and that Fe deficient erythropoiesis existed in between 7 and 13% depending upon assessment method. S-TfR was highly specific, but had a low sensitivity and positive predictive value. Use of s-TfR and the high percent of anemia are discussed.