iron status in Libyan patients with urinary tract infection

ABSTRACT

The serum iron, total iron binding capacity, transferring saturation and serum ferritin levels were investigated in 24 Libyan patients with urinary tract infections [UTI] and in 24 age-sex matched controls. The mean serum iron and transferring saturation values were observed to be significantly lower in patients with UTI as compared to controls [P<0.01]. However, no significant differences were noted for the total iron binding capacity and serum ferritin levels between patients and controls. It is concluded that low serum iron levels in patients with UTI is a reflection of the sequestration into reticuloendotheliel system rather than an absolute iron deficiency. Therefore, it seems unlikely that iron deficiency is a contributory factor in the aetiopthogenesis of urinary tract infections