Endogenous Lactoferrin in the Assessment of Ferrokinetics in Children with Iron Deficiency States

Abstract

Objective: to study the concentration of endogenous lactoferrin in children with iron deficiency states before and during the treatment. Material and methods . The clinical and laboratory data of 31 patients with iron deficiency states (24 patients with iron deficiency anemia and 7 with latent iron deficiency) aged 0-17 (the median age was 9.7) and 7 healthy children (the median age was 12.4) who made up the control group have been analyzed. Hemogram and biochemical blood test were done according to the standard method. The concentration of endogenous LF in the blood serum was determined by the method of enzyme immunoassay using commercial test systems for the quantitative determination of human LF in the biological fluids (Elabscience) on the universal VICTOR2TM analyzer (Perkin Elmer, USA). Results . The study of ferrokinetics and LF concentration in the blood serum of the children with iron deficiency states has been performed. It has been shown that the children with iron deficiency reveal an increased LF level in the blood serum, which has variable values depending on age. The highest levels of the serum LF content are characteristic of patients under the age of three months, which is associated with the physiological mechanisms of the adaptation process of the hematopoietic system in newborns and infants. The LF concentration in the blood serum associated with ferrotherapy is increased compared to the corresponding indices before the treatment. Conclusion . From the results of the study its follows that the content of LF in the blood serum increases in iron deficiency and is associated with ferrotherapy. The obtained results will be used in further research aimed at the diagnosis of iron deficiency and prediction of the response to iron therapy.