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Reference values for fructosamine concentrations in children's sera: influence of protein concentration, age, and sex
J De Schepper1, M P Derde, P Goubert
1Department of Pediatrics, Academic Hospital and Medical School, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
Insights
Fructosamine levels in children are lower than in adults, especially in those under three years old. These glycated protein values increase with age, reaching adult levels by age six.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Pediatric Endocrinology
Background:
- Fructosamine is a marker for glycemic control.
- Pediatric reference ranges for fructosamine are not well-established.
- Understanding age-related changes in fructosamine is crucial for accurate interpretation in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine reference intervals for serum fructosamine concentrations in children.
- To investigate the influence of age and sex on fructosamine levels in pediatric populations.
- To compare pediatric fructosamine values with adult reference ranges.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 170 healthy children aged two weeks to 15 years.
- Fructosamine, total protein, and fractionated proteins were measured.
- Statistical analysis was performed to assess age and sex dependencies.
Main Results:
- The mean serum fructosamine concentration in children was 2.12 mmol/L, 5% lower than in adults.
- No significant sex-related differences were observed.
- A pronounced age dependency was found, with concentrations 15% lower in children under three years, increasing to adult levels by age six.
- Adjusting for total protein or albumin attenuated but did not eliminate the age effect.
Conclusions:
- Established reference intervals for serum fructosamine in children across different age groups.
- Serum fructosamine concentrations exhibit significant age-related variations in children.
- These findings highlight the importance of age-specific reference ranges for interpreting fructosamine levels in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
Fructosamine and protein (total and fractionated) were measured in the serum of 170 normal children, ages two weeks to 15 years. The mean fructosamine concentration was 2.12 mmol/L, 5% lower than the mean value observed for adults. We observed no sex-related difference in fructosamine values, but saw a pronounced age dependency of reference values. For children younger than three years, the mean concentration of fructosamine was 15% lower than in adults, but glycated protein concentrations increased with age, reaching essentially adult values by age six years. Expressing fructosamine concentrations per gram of serum total protein or of albumin weakened the influence of age, but did not eliminate it completely. We report reference intervals for fructosamine concentrations in children's sera.