Serum transferrin receptor and transferrin receptor/ferritin ratio distinguish iron deficiency in anemia of chronic disorders in children

ABSTRACT

This study included 44 anemic children 20 children were iron deficiency anemia [group I], 14 children suffering from iron deficiency anemia in the presence of acute infection [group II] and 10 children had anemia of chronic disorders [group III]. In addition, 20 healthy children were included as a control group. Complete blood count, serum iron, total iron binding capacity, serum ferritin and serum transferrin receptor [sTfR] were assayed in all patients groups. It was concluded that the increase in sTfR among patients with anemia of chronic disease reflects the increased demand for iron in the erythroid cells; thus sTfR level can be used in distinguishing the coexistence of iron deficiency anemia in anemia of chronic inflammatory diseases