Altered iron metabolism in children with human immunodeficiency virus disease.

BACKGROUND

Despite the high prevalence of altered iron metabolism in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease, these alterations have not been well studied.

PROCEDURES

Twenty-six children with HIV disease underwent laboratory evaluation to determine the presence of anemia, and to classify the anemia as iron-deficiency anemia or anemia of chronic disease.

RESULTS

Half of the children had an alteration in iron metabolism: 6 were iron deficient, 4 had hyperferritinemia, and 3 demonstrated hyperferritinemia with iron deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that alterations in iron metabolism are common even in the HAART era and warrant further study to identify individuals at risk for these alterations.