title: Reference values of serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) and sTfR/log ferritin index in healthy children.
abstract: ABSTARCT The aims of this study were to determine appropriate reference ranges for serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) and sTfR/log ferritin (sTfR-F index) in healthy children and their relationship with iron parameters, erythropoiesis, and other conditions presented by the subject. A total of 902 children with normal iron status, aged 1-11 years, were included in a cross-sectional study. A physical examination was conducted and z-score of body mass index (zBMI) obtained. Complete blood count, iron biomarkers, erythropoietin, C-reactive protein, sTfR, and sTfR/log ferritin were determined. Linear multiple regression was applied to identify the factors that determined sTfR and sTfR-F index variability. Mean values for sTfR and sTfR-F index were 1.22 ± 0.28 mg/L (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-1.23) and 0.87 ± 0.25 (95% CI: 0.85-0.88). The reference intervals (2.5th to 97.5th percentiles [P2.5-P97.5]) were 0.78-1.9 mg/L and 0.49-1.46, respectively. sTfR and sTfR-F values decreased with age (P <.03 and P <.0001, respectively). No changes were observed with sex. Changes in sTfR and sTfR-F index were consistent with ferritin and erythropoietin variations. Iron biomarkers, erythropoietin, and zBMI predicted 19% and 18.1% of the sTfR and sTfR-F index variability. The results provide reference ranges for sTfR and sTfR-F index in healthy children for clinical use in the assessment of body iron status. Both biomarkers are predicted by iron parameters, erythropoietin, and zBMI.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Pediatrics , Torrecárdenas Hospital , Almería , Spain.
authors.forename: María A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Vázquez-López
authors.affiliation: a Department of Pediatrics , Torrecárdenas Hospital , Almería , Spain.
authors.forename: Encarnación
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: López-Ruzafa
authors.affiliation: a Department of Pediatrics , Torrecárdenas Hospital , Almería , Spain.
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lendinez-Molinos
authors.affiliation: a Department of Pediatrics , Torrecárdenas Hospital , Almería , Spain.
authors.forename: María
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ortiz-Pérez
authors.affiliation: a Department of Pediatrics , Torrecárdenas Hospital , Almería , Spain.
authors.forename: Lucía
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ruiz-Tudela
authors.affiliation: a Department of Pediatrics , Torrecárdenas Hospital , Almería , Spain.
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Martín-González
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin / Q000097:blood*; D012016:Reference Values
chemical_list: D011990:Receptors, Transferrin; D004921:Erythropoietin; D005293:Ferritins
keywords: Healthy children; iron deficiency; serum erythropoietin; serum transferrin receptor; serum transferrin receptor/log ferritin index