[Soluble tranferrin receptor in the biological diagnosis of iron deficiency. Report of 24 cases].

BACKGROUND

In inflammatory diseases, classical parameters of iron status (serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron-binding capacity of transferrin and transferrin saturation) are not very reliable.

AIM

The purpose of this study is to investigate soluble transferrin receptor, its index and classical parameters of iron status [serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron-binding capacity of transferrin and transferrin saturation] during iron-deficiency anemia and combined iron deficiency and inflammatory anemia.

METHODS

Our study concerned 24 patients: 18 patients with iron-deficiency anemia and 6 patients with combined iron-deficiency and inflammatory anemia. 55 healthy subjects were included as controls. Both groups underwent classical parameters of iron status [serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron-binding capacity of transferrin and transferrin saturation] and measurement of soluble transferrin receptor with its index.

RESULTS

In iron-deficiency anemia, total iron-binding capacity of transferrin, soluble transferrin receptor and its index were enhanced, whereas serum iron, ferritinemia and transferrin saturation were low compared to controls. Compared to patients with iron-deficiency anemia, those with combined iron-deficiency and inflammatory anemia showed higher levels of serum iron and ferritinemia. In contrast, soluble transferrin receptor and its index did not vary significantly between both groups.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show the interest of soluble transferrin receptor and its index in the detection of iron deficiency during anemia of inflammatory states.