Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Setup of Capillary Electrophoresis-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS) for Quantification of Iron Redox Species (Fe(II), Fe(III))
04:48

Setup of Capillary Electrophoresis-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS) for Quantification of Iron Redox Species (Fe(II), Fe(III))

Published on: May 4, 2020

Combined iron deficiency and lead poisoning in children. Effect on FEP levels

C L Carraccio1, G E Bergman, B P Daley

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland, Baltimore 21201.

Clinical Pediatrics
|December 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Iron deficiency and lead toxicity can both elevate free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP). However, FEP levels alone are not reliable for diagnosing iron deficiency in children with high blood lead. Continue using risk factors for screening.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Environmental Health
  • Nutritional Anemia
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Animal studies suggest iron deficiency increases gastrointestinal lead absorption.
  • Elevated free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) is associated with both iron deficiency and lead toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate if FEP elevation degree can predict concurrent iron deficiency in children with elevated blood lead levels.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 109 children with suspected elevated lead burden.
  • Measured complete blood count, reticulocyte count, FEP, blood lead, and ferritin.
  • Analyzed lead and iron status effects on FEP using linear regression.

Main Results:

  • Blood lead status alone explained 42% of the variance in FEP.
  • The interaction between lead and iron status added only 1% to the explained variance in FEP.
  • FEP elevation is not a reliable predictor of iron deficiency in children with elevated blood lead.

Conclusions:

  • Screening for iron deficiency in children with elevated blood lead should rely on dietary and socioeconomic risk factors.
  • FEP levels should not be the primary screening tool for iron deficiency in this population.

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