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Serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation in the diagnosis of iron deficiency in children: normal
Insights
Serum iron and transferrin saturation levels are lower in children aged 0.5-12 years compared to adults. A transferrin saturation below 16% in children suggests iron deficiency when combined with anemia and low mean corpuscular volume.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Clinical Biochemistry
Background:
- Accurate reference ranges for serum iron and transferrin saturation are crucial for diagnosing iron deficiency in children.
- Existing data may not adequately represent normal values for pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate normal limits for serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation in healthy children and adults.
- To identify age-specific differences in these parameters.
Main Methods:
- Exclusion of subjects with any laboratory evidence of iron deficiency.
- Analysis of serum iron and transferrin saturation in a cohort of 215 children and 42 adults meeting normal criteria.
Main Results:
- Serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation were significantly lower in children aged 0.5 to 12 years compared to adults.
- Established normal ranges for pediatric and adult populations.
Conclusions:
- In children aged 0.5 to 12 years, a transferrin saturation below 16% is indicative of iron deficiency, but only when accompanied by anemia and low mean corpuscular volume.
- Age-specific interpretation of transferrin saturation is necessary for accurate diagnosis in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
A group of 359 healthy children and 49 adults were studied for the purpose of estimating the normal limits for serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation. The 144 children and seven adults who has any other laboratory evidence of iron deficiency (abnormal values of serum ferritin, free erythrocyte protoporphyrin, hemoglobin concentration, or mean corpuscular volume) were excluded. In evaluating the 215 children and 42 adults who met the criteria to be considered normal we found that serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation were significantly lower in children between the ages of 0.5 and 12 years than in adults. We conclude that in children between the ages of 0.5 and 12 years, a transferrin saturation of less than 16% constitutes good evidence of iron deficiency only in conjuction with anemia and low mean corpuscular volume.