Abstract
BackgroundHepcidin is classified as a type II acute phase protein; its production is a component of the innate immune response to infections.ObjectiveTo evaluate the alterations of serum hepcidin in children during and following an acute febrile infection.Materials and methods22 children with fever of acute onset (< 6 hours) admitted to the 2nd Department of Pediatrics-University of Athens. Based on clinical and laboratory findings our sample formed two groups: the viral infection group (13 children) and the bacterial infection group (9 children). Hepcidin, ferritin and serum iron measurements were performed in all subjects.ResultsSerum hepcidin values did not differ notably between children with viral and bacterial infection, but a significant reduction of hepcidin was noted in both groups post-infection.ConclusionOur study provides clinical pediatric data on the role of hepcidin in the face of an acute infection. In our sample of children, hepcidin was found to rise during the acute infection and fall post-infection.
Highlights
Hepcidin is a cytokine-induced antimicrobial peptide produced in the liver that principally regulates the homeostasis of iron concentration
Serum hepcidin values were not notably different between children with viral and bacterial infection, but a significant reduction of hepcidin was noted in both groups post-infection
Serum ferritin values were similar among children belonging to the two groups; serum iron levels were found significantly lower only during the acute phase of bacterial infections
Summary
Hepcidin is a cytokine-induced antimicrobial peptide produced in the liver that principally regulates the homeostasis of iron concentration. Hepcidin could be classified as a type II acute phase protein. Hepcidin plays a key role in the development of anaemia associated with inflammation and chronic disease, there are only a few clinical studies that examine hepcidin alterations in acute or chronic infections. Hepcidin is classified as a type II acute phase protein; its production is a component of the innate immune response to infections. Objective: To evaluate the alterations of serum hepcidin in children during and following an acute febrile infection. Results: Serum hepcidin values did not differ notably between children with viral and bacterial infection, but a significant reduction of hepcidin was noted in both groups post-infection. Conclusion: Our study provides clinical pediatric data on the role of hepcidin in the face of an acute infection. In our sample of children, hepcidin was found to rise during the acute infection and fall post-infection
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