Assessment of Iron Parameters in Children with Acute Infectious Disease

Hwang, Ho Yeon; Kim, Ji Suk; Lee, Jung Hyun; Hong, Yoo Rha; Park, Jae Sun

Abstract

BACKGROUND
As some parameters reflecting iron status were known to change with infection or inflammation, we examined the changes of these parameters in children with minor illnesses.
METHODS
Hematologic tests were done in 42 young children with acute infection. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was defined as having Hb less than age-matched normal range, MCH <27 pg, and either Tfsat (transferrin saturation) <10% or TIBC >360 microg/dL. Iron deficiency (ID) was defined as having Hb equal or more than age matched normal low limit with MCH <27 pg, and either Tfsat <10% or TIBC >360 microg/dL. The others were classified as normal control (NC).
RESULTS
The proportion of IDA, ID and NC were 16.6% (7/42), 33.3% (14/42) and 50.0% (21/42), respectively. Comparisons of means of Hb, MCV, MCH, and RDW between groups showed statistical difference in general, while levels of iron, ferritin and hs-CRP showed no statistical difference. Mean blood levels of zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) of IDA, ID and NC were 72.21 microg/dL, 57.02 microg/dL, and 45.62 microg/dL, respectively, but the difference was significant only between IDA and NC. ZnPP was inversely correlated with MCV (r=-0.518, P<0.01) and RDW (r=-0.640, P<0.01), but not with hs-CRP or ferritin.
CONCLUSION
Combination of RBC indices with newly controlled Tfsat or TIBC can be available for an iron status assessment in children with minor infections. ZnPP levels in blood reflect some aspect of iron status, while ferritin and iron do not reflect it.