title: Soluble transferrin receptors in malaria.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the concentration of soluble transferrin receptors (sTfR) in patients with malaria.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional, analytical study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Baqai Institute of Haematology, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, from December 2009 to April 2010.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty samples from normal male and female subjects each were drawn for establishing the reference range while 38 from patients with malaria (with or without anaemia) sTfR centration was determined. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of 38 patients, 4 had iron deficiency anaemia while 34 patients were without anaemia. Mean sTfR level in the control group was 33.53 ± 4.38 nmol/l. In patients with malaria without iron deficiency anaemia, mean sTfR concentration was 30.84 ± 5.40 nmol/l. Patients with malaria and concomitant iron deficiency anaemia had mean sTfR level of 101.67 ± 11.69 nmol/l. Comparison of sTfR in normal subjects and in patients with malaria showed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.208). Statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed in patients with malaria and concomitant IDA as compared to normal control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Malaria without concomitant iron deficiency anaemia had near normal sTfR levels. While those with concomitant iron deficiency anaemia had significant higher level of sTfR. This concludes that these receptors are not affected in malaria alone.
authors: Department of Haematology, Baqai Institute of Haematology, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan. mujhgan_16@hotmail.com
authors: Muhammad
authors: M
authors: Saboor
authors: Moinuddin
authors: Muhammad Abdul
authors: MA
authors: Razzaq
authors: Naeem
authors: N
authors: Tahir
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin / Q000097:blood*; D012016:Reference Values; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D006454:Hemoglobins; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin