Serum Ferritin Levels In Children Research Articles

Association between Serum Iron, Serum Ferritin Levels, and Severe Early Childhood Caries: A Case-Control Study.

The presence of extensive dental caries leads to pain, inflammation, and discomfort and hence interferes with their nutritional intake, which includes iron deficiency anemia. This study was undertaken to determine whether any correlation exists between severe early childhood caries (S-ECC), serum iron, and serum ferritin levels in children. A total of 688 children were examined in the age-group of 2-6 years, and 82 children who fulfilled the selection criteria were equally divided into group I, that is, case group (carious group n = 41) and group II, that is, control group (caries-free group n = 41), on the basis of decayed, missing, and filled primary teeth (dmft) scores. All the selected children in both groups underwent blood investigations through phlebotomy for assessment of serum iron and serum ferritin levels. The mean values of variables, that is, hemoglobin (Hb), serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC), are lower in the case group when compared to control group. The differences observed were statistically significant in case of dmft and UIBC values at p < 0.05 but not significant in cases of other variables like Hb, serum iron, serum ferritin, and TIBC values. An inverse relationship was found between S-ECC, serum iron, and serum ferritin levels, but the evidence is still inconclusive. Atri Y, Garg N, Pathivada L, et al. Association between Serum Iron, Serum Ferritin Levels, and Severe Early Childhood Caries: A Case-Control Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-3):S288-S292.

Ocular biometry, anterior chamber morphometry, and their relationship with serum ferritin levels in children with beta thalassemia major.

Ocular biometry and anterior segment evaluations are important to determine ocular development and pathological changes, especially in thalassemia patients in Mediterranean countries such as Turkey. The objectives of this study were to compare ocular biometry and anterior segment parameters in children with thalassemia major and healthy controls and to examine the relationship between ferritin levels, anthropometric measurements, and ocular parameters. This is a prospective case-control study. The height, weight, body mass index, and occipitofrontal circumference values of the participants were recorded. Anterior and vitreous chamber depth, lens thickness, axial length, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber volume, iridocorneal angle, pupil diameter, and mean keratometry were measured. Measurements were compared between patients and healthy children, and between patients with ferritin levels above and below 1000 ng/mL. This study included 40 patients and 45 controls. Height, weight, and body mass index were significantly lower while ferritin level and occipitofrontal circumference were significantly higher in patients compared with the controls (p < 0.001 for all). There were no statistically significant differences in the other ocular parameters (p > 0.05). In comparisons between patients with ferritin levels below (n = 15) and above 1000 ng/mL (n = 25), there were no significant differences in age, height, weight, body mass index, occipitofrontal circumference, or ocular parameters (p > 0.05). Occipitofrontal circumference and mean keratometry value were positively correlated in patients with ferritin levels below 1000 ng/mL (r = 0.573, p = 0.025), while body mass index was negatively correlated with pupil diameter in patients with ferritin levels above 1000 ng/mL (r = -0.469, p = 0.018). Children with thalassemia showed significant growth retardation and large occipitofrontal circumference but did not differ from controls in terms of biometrics and anterior segment morphology. Our results demonstrated a positive correlation between the occipitofrontal circumference and mean keratometry value in children with ferritin levels below 1000 ng/mL and a negative correlation between body mass index and pupil diameter in children with ferritin levels above 1000 ng/mL.

Serum Ferritin for Predicting Outcome in Children With Severe Sepsis in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

To evaluate the prognostic ability of serum ferritin when estimated within 5 days of onset of illness in children with severe sepsis admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit. This observational study enrolled children aged 1 month to 12 years with severe sepsis. Hemoglobin, serum ferritin and C-reactive protein levels were measured within five days of illness. Final outcomes were recorded in all enrolled children. 70 children with median (IQR) age of 27 (8,108) months were enrolled during the study period (July, 2019 to August, 2021). 28 (40%) of these had poor outcome (non-survival). The median (IQR) level of serum ferritin was 1369 (558-5607) ng/mL in non-survivors and 282 (129-680) ng/mL in survivors (P<0.05). A significant correlation was seen between serum ferritin and Pediatric Risk of Mortality III (PRISM III) score (r=0.364 P=0.002) and pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (pSOFA) score (r=0.246 P=0.04) at 48 hours of admission. 54 (77.1%) children were anemic. Serum ferritin levels in children with anemia also had a good predictive ability for poor outcome [AUC: 0.764, 95% CI: 0.634, 0.894]. Serum ferritin levels, within five days of onset of illness, predicted poor outcome in critically ill children with severe sepsis and in children with microcytic anemia.

Screening for Iron Deficiency in Early Childhood Using Serum Ferritin

Introduction: The iron deficiency is an important public health problem widely prevalent in the early childhood period. Iron is very important for various body processes like monoamine metabolism, synthesis of myelin, and metabolic function of the brain. It has many detrimental effects on the cognition, emotional, social, and motor development.‍ Serum ferritin is an easily available, non invasive, inexpensive with high specificity for iron deficiency.&#x0D; Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim to estimate the levels of hemoglobin and serum ferritin in young children in the age group of 1-5 years irrespective of their sex. &#x0D; Materials and Methods: Laboratory data of serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels were prospectively collected of apparently healthy children, 1 to 5 years of age coming to Pediatrics OPD of Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences, Jammu. The ferritin levels were estimated in roche chemiluminescent immunoassay. The haemoglobin levels were estimated. Children with serum ferritin level &lt; 12 µg/L was considered as deficiency. The statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20.&#x0D; Results: A total of 100 children, 1 to 5 years of age were enrolled in the study. The mean hemoglobin level in children is 12.2gm%. The mean serum ferritin level in children is 29.2µg/L. In our study, it was observed that the mean Hb levels are higher in the reference age group, than decreases in the 2-3 year age group and then again increases in the 3-5 years age group. It was further observed that the serum ferritin levels were higher in the reference age group and then decreases in the 2-3 year age group. The serum ferritin levels further rises in the 3-4 years, 4-5 years age group.&#x0D; Conclusion: In our study, it was observed that serum ferritin is a more reliable test than hemoglobin for screening iron deficiency in early childhood. The most favorable age group for screening for iron deficiency appears to be 2 to 3 years of age in which maximum number of children with iron deficiency was observed, but other associated conditions should also be kept in mind.

Study of the relationship of serum Vitamin D and ferritin levels in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders among school-age children in India. Etiopathogenesis is attributed to abnormal dopamine regulation which is influenced by both genetic (genes encodingdopamine-DRD4, DRD5, and DAT1) and environmental factors. Micronutrients such as iron and Vitamin D play imperative roles in neurologic function, neurotransmitter synthesis, and regulation. Aim: The aim of the study was to study the association between Serum Vitamin D and Serum Ferritin levels in children with ADHD. Materials and Methods: This case–control study was conducted in the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital, from October 2019 to May 2021. Subjects (n=30) included patients with the diagnosis of ADHD (using child behavior checklist and INDT–ADHD). Healthy children of the comparable age group were taken as controls. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 22. Results: The mean value of serum ferritin levels in cases was observed to be 32.55±31.97 ng/ml and in controls was 143.43±260.40 ng/ml. The study found a significant difference in the mean value of serum ferritin levels in cases and controls (p?0.024). No significant difference in the mean value of serum Vitamin D in cases and controls (p–0.229) was noted. Conclusions: An association between low levels of serum ferritin and ADHD was seen.

Serum ferritin levels in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and tic disorder.

BACKGROUNDIron plays an important role in neurodevelopmental functions in the brain. Serum ferritin levels are different in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and tic disorder than in healthy children.AIMTo explore the current status of iron deficiency in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and its sex and age effects.METHODSA total of 1565 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 1694 children with tic disorder (TD), 93 children with ASD and 1997 healthy control children were included between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021 at Beijing Children's Hospital. We describe the differences in age levels and ferritin levels between different disease groups and their sex differences. The differences between the sexes in each disease were analyzed using the t test. The incidence rate of low serum ferritin was used to describe the differences between different diseases and different age groups. A chi-square test was used to analyze the difference in the incidence of low serum ferritin between the disease group and the control group. Analysis of variance was used for comparisons between subgroups, and regression analysis was used for confounding factor control.RESULTSA total of 1565 ADHD patients aged 5-12 years were included in this study, and the average serum ferritin levels of male and female children were 36.82 ± 20.64 μg/L and 35.64 ± 18.56 μg/L, respectively. A total of 1694 TD patients aged 5-12 years were included in this study, and the average serum ferritin levels of male and female children were 35.72 ± 20.15 μg/L and 34.54 ± 22.12 μg/L, respectively. As age increased, the incidence of low serum ferritin in ADHD and TD first decreased and then increased, and 10 years old was the turning point of rising levels. The incidence of ADHD with low serum ferritin was 8.37%, the incidence of TD with low serum ferritin was 11.04%, and the incidence of the healthy control group with low serum ferritin was 8.61%, among which male children with TD accounted for 9.25% and female children with TD accounted for 11.62%. There was a significant difference among the three groups (P < 0.05). In addition, there were 93 children with ASD with an average serum ferritin level of 30.99 ± 18.11 μg/L and a serum ferritin incidence of 15.05%.CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, low serum ferritin is not a risk factor for ADHD or TD. The incidence of low serum ferritin levels in children with ADHD and TD between 5 and 12 years old decreases first and then increases with age.

Determine Mean Serum Ferritin Level in Children with Febrile Seizures and Compare with Children without Seizures

Objective: To compare the mean serum ferritin level in children with febrile seizures and without febrile seizures. Study Design: Cross sectional/case control Place &amp; Duration: Swat Medical Complex Teaching Hospital Saidu Sharif Swat/CMH Lahore from the period January 2021 to June, 2021 Methods: 140 children with ages 5 to 60 months were enrolled in this study. All the patients were equally divided into two groups. Group I consist of 70 patients with febrile seizures and group II with same patients without febrile seizures. Complete blood picture and serum ferritin level was examined and compare the findings between both groups. Data was analyzed by SPSS 24.0. Results: In group I 42 (60%) patients were male and 28 (40%) were females with mean age 24.26±10.38 months and in groupII 40 (57.14%) were males and 30 (42.86%) were females with mean age 23.65±11.56 months. Mean serum ferritin level was significantly lower in group I patients than group II 24.48±10.82ng/ml Versus 42.45±12.64ng/ml with p-value &lt;0.05. Iron deficiency was higher in patients with febrile seizures than patients with without seizures 22 Vs 10. Conclusion: It is concluded that children with febrile seizure had significantly lower serum ferritin level and higher iron deficiency rate as compared to children without seizure. Keywords: Febile Seizures, Febrile Illness, Serum Ferritin Level, Hemoglobin, Iron Deficiency

Iron Supplementation for Hypoferritinemia-Related Psychological Symptoms in Children and Adolescents.

Although some studies have described the association between serum ferritin levels and specific disorders in child and adolescent psychiatry, few have focused on mental status per se with low serum ferritin levels in children and adolescents. This study examined the effects of iron administration on psychological status of children and adolescents with reduced serum ferritin concentration. This prospective study evaluated 19 participants aged 6-15 years with serum ferritin levels <30 ng/mL who visited a mental health clinic and received oral iron administration for 12 weeks. The participants were assessed using the Clinical Global Impression Severity (CGI-S), Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition Youth-Short (POMS), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). In addition to serum ferritin, blood biochemical values such as hemoglobin (Hb) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were examined. School attendance was recorded. The most prevalent physical symptoms were fatigability and insomnia. The CGI-S, PSQI, and CES-D scores decreased significantly following iron supplementation, whereas the scores of almost all POMS subscales improved significantly at week 12. No participant had hemoglobin levels <12 g/dL. Serum ferritin concentration increased significantly, whereas Hb and MCV remained unchanged. At baseline, 74% of the participants did not attend school regularly; this number improved to varying degrees by week 12. Serum ferritin levels would be preferable to be measured in children and adolescents with insomnia and/or fatigability regardless of psychiatric diagnoses or gender. Iron supplementation can improve the hypoferritinemia-related psychological symptoms of children and adolescents, such as poor concentration, anxiety, depression, low energy and/or irritability.

Correlation of serum TSH levels with serum ferritin levels in children of β thalassemia major presenting at tertiary care hospital

Objective: To study the correlation of serum TSH levels with serum ferritin levels in children of β thalassemia major presenting at tertiary care hospital. Material and methods: Between April 2020 and October 2020 total 88 patients of β thalassemia major having age 5-15 years either male or female were selected from Department of Pathology, Sheikh Zaid Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan. Correlation of between ferritin and TSH levels was studies. Results: Mean age was 8.02 ± 2.792 years, mean TSH level was 3.9564 ± 2.38263 µIU/ml, mean ferritin level was 3282.84 ± 1782.013 ng/dl and mean duration of blood transfusion was 3.23 ± 1.328 years. (Table 1) Out of 88 patients, 67 (76%) were males and 21 (24%) were females. TSH levels was negatively correlated with ferritin levels which was not significant (r = -0.073, P= 0.496). Conclusion: In this study negative correlation was detected between ferritin and TSH levels. Difference of mean ferritin and TSH level among both gender, age group was detected. Key words: β thalassemia, TSH, ferritin, haemoglobin

Comparative efficacy and safety of once daily dosing and twice daily dosing of deferasirox in reducing serum ferritin levels in children with thalassemia major

Comparative efficacy and safety of once daily dosing and twice daily dosing of deferasirox in reducing serum ferritin levels in children with thalassemia major

Evaluation of Serum Ferritin Levels in Children of South Punjab (Pakistan) having Beta-Thalassemia Major with Iron-Overload Treated with Deferasirox

Objective: To evaluated serum ferritin levels in children having beta-thalassemia major with iron-overload treated with deferasirox. Study Design: A prospective open-label observational study. Place and Duration of the Study: The Outpatient Department of Hematological Disorder, Thalassemia and Bone Marrow Transplantation Centre, and Department of Biochemistry, “Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Quaid e Azam Medical College”, Bahawalpur, Pakistan from February 2020 to January 2021. Material and Methods: Children aged 2 to 17 years with diagnosis of β-thalassemia major having chronic iron overload (serum ferritin &gt; 1000 ng/ml) and 2 or more blood transfusions per month were included. Demographic information like gender, age, and residential status, contact number along with assessment of hepatitis serology, HIV status, electrocardiogram and ophthalmic findings were noted on a pre-designed proforma specially designed for this study. Deferasirox was initiated in a dose of 20 mg/kg/day and was adjusted at 3-months interval. Serum ferritin levels were measured at baseline, 3-months, 6-months, 9-months and 12-months. Results: In a total of 40 children, there were 23 (57.5%) male. Overall, mean age was calculated to be 9.1+4.2 years. Residential status of 28 (70.0%) children was rural. Mothers of 27 (67.5%) children were illiterate. At baseline, mean serum ferritin level was noted to be 4137+2319 ng/ml. Significant reduction in mean serum ferritin levels during the course of this study was found with the use of deferasirox as mean serum ferritin levels reduced significantly from baseline to 3-months, 6-months, 9-months and at 12-months as 3637+2119 ng/ml, 4081+2050 ng/ml, 4346+2349 ng/ml, 3252+2464 ng/ml and 2188+1195 ng/ml respectively (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Deferasirox was found to be an effective iron chelation therapy among transfusion dependent thalassemia children with iron-overload. Keywords: serum ferritin, Thalassemia, iron-overload, deferasirox.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SERUM FERRITIN LEVEL AND ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER IN CHILDREN ATTENDING ALEXANDRIA UNIVERSITY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral disorder in childhood. Its prevalence in children and adolescents is around 5.3% worldwide. ADHD is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that affects multiple domains of life cause significant functional impairment.ADHD imposes various kinds of pressures on families and communities. ADHD is attributed to the interplay of social, environmental, neurobiological, and genetic factors. Iron is essential for many important biological processes. It functions as a cofactor in the metabolism of many neurotransmitters like dopamine. Its deficiency plays a role in ADHD pathogenesis. Serum ferritin is a reliable indicator of iron storage in tissues such as the brain.We aimed to study serum ferritin levels in children with ADHD, and the relationship between it and the severity of the disease.This case-control study was conducted on (100) children aged from six to twelve years (50 children diagnosed with ADHD based on DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and were recruited from Pediatric Neurodevelopmental outpatient clinic of Alexandria University Children Hospital Smouha and 50 sex and age-matched siblings of group I who are not fulfilling the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria of ADHD as a controls group II).

Efficacy and Safety of Combined Oral Chelation with Deferiprone and Deferasirox on Iron Overload in Transfusion Dependent Children with Thalassemia - A Prospective Observational Study.

To assess the efficacy and safety of dual oral iron chelation therapy (deferiprone and deferasirox) in decreasing iron overload status, using serum ferritin and liver and cardiac MRI as indicators, in transfusion dependent thalassemic children. This was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital for a period of one year. Children with thalassemia between 2 and 18 y of age with serum ferritin above 1500ng/ml were started on oral deferiprone and deferasirox. They were followed up for one year. Serum ferritin and MRI quantification of liver and cardiac iron concentration was done at enrolment and end of 12 mo. They were also monitored monthly for any adverse effects. Twenty one thalassemic children with mean age of 7.8 y (range 4-12 y) and a mean ferritin value of 3129 + 1231.5ng/ml were enrolled. Mean serum ferritin decreased by 1226.3ng/ml (p = 0.047, 95% CI =10.2, 1504.3) with 16.8% fall from baseline. The reduction in ferritin correlated significantly with the initial ferritin level (spearman's rho = 0.742, p = 0.001). Mean liver iron concentration and myocardial iron concentration did not change significantly. Red color urine, transient rise in creatinine and liver enzymes were noted during the study period. Combined oral chelation with deferiprone and deferasirox significantly decreases the serum ferritin level in children with severe iron overload. The drugs were tolerated well without any serious adverse effects.

Hyperferritinemia in uncomplicated pediatric dengue patients in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India

Background: Dengue fever is an arboviral fever caused by 5 serotypes of Dengue Virus DENV1-5. Ferritin is an acute-phase reactant and produced by reticuloendothelial cells in response to inflammation and infection. Studies have shown that ferritin is a predictor of the severity of dengue. However, there are no studies correlating serum ferritin levels with the Dengue Antibody profile in pediatric patients in India. Aim: The objectives of this study were to assess serum ferritin levels in pediatric dengue patients, correlate it with the patient’s dengue antibody profile (Dengue IgM and IgG) and to correlate it with the hematological profile in pediatric dengue patients. Methodology: 58 Children who were admitted for fever of more than 3 days duration and Dengue NS1 antigen positive were included in the study. In these children; Total Count (TLC), Platelet Count (Plt), Hematocrit (PCV), Serum Ferritin levels were the investigative parameters measured at the time of admission for the purpose of the study. These patients were treated as per the WHO Dengue Guidelines. Data were coded and entered in Microsoft Excel 2013 and data was analyzed using SPSS v16. the p-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the study population was 8.51±3.5 years. All 58 children had elevated serum ferritin levels. The mean serum ferritin levels in the study population as a whole were 8762.224±3556.09 µg/ml. The mean serum ferritin levels in children who were Dengue IgM negative was 7031.78±2669.44 µg/ml. There was a strong positive association between Serum Ferritin levels and Dengue IgM Status (r= 0.53, p=0.000029). Conclusions: Hyperferritinemia is seen in dengue fever and is associated with the Dengue IgM status of the child. There is a potential for serum ferritin levels to be used as a marker for diagnosis of dengue fever and in the prediction of the severity of dengue fever but needs to be confirmed in larger studies.

Effect of deferasirox on serum ferritin level in children with thalassemia major: impact of transfusional iron load

Background: Ongoing transfusional iron load (TIL) is an important determinant while deciding starting and subsequent dose adjustment of deferasirox during course of chelation therapy. So present study aims to find out effect of different dosing of deferasirox over the serum ferritin level in children with thalassemia major with impact of rate of transfusional iron load.Methods: This one year observational study was carried out in 35 transfusion dependent β-thalassemic patients aged 2-18 years. Patients with baseline serum ferritin 1000-1500ng/ml and/or receiving TIL 0.2-0.3mg/kg/day were started 20mg/kg/day deferasirox and patients with ferritin&gt;1500ng/ml and/or having TIL &gt; 0.3mg/kg/day were started 30mg/kg/day deferasirox. Serum ferritin was repeated in every three months. Dose adjustments were performed on serum ferritin trends in steps of 5-10mg/kg /day to maximum 40mg/kg/day. Evaluation of relationship between dose adjustment, percentage of reduction in serum ferritin and TIL was done.Results: Group-1 patients(42.8%) had TIL 0.2 to 0.3mg/kg/day whereas Group-2(37.1%) and Group-3(20%) children had TIL &gt;0.3-0.4mg/kg/day and &gt;0.4 mg/kg/day respectively. Starting dose of deferasirox in 25.7% patients was 20mg/kg/day and in rest were 30mg/kg/day. Average dose of deferasirox in group-1 was significantly lower as compared to group-2 and group-3 patients ( p&lt; 0.05). Significant decline in mean serum ferritin was observed in all three groups (p &lt; 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between TIL and average drug dose prescribed (r=0.5411and p=0.0007) but negative insignificant correlation was observed with percentage of reduction in serum ferritin(r=0.0027and p=0.98).Conclusions: Deferasirox 30mg/kg/day significantly reduces serum ferritin and is well tolerated in majority of patients having TIL 0.3-0.4mg/kg/day where as 20mg/kg/day is required in patients having low transfusional iron intake.

Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone Levels and Their Relation to Serum Ferritin Levels in Children with Thalassemia Major: One-Center Study in Western Indonesia

Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone Levels and Their Relation to Serum Ferritin Levels in Children with Thalassemia Major: One-Center Study in Western Indonesia

The Impact of Patient and Parents’ Education by Nurses on Serum Ferritin Levels in Children with Beta-Thalassemia Major

The Impact of Patient and Parents’ Education by Nurses on Serum Ferritin Levels in Children with Beta-Thalassemia Major

Correlation of myocardial performance index and serum ferritin levels in children with beta thalassemia major

Background: Cardiac complications are the major causes of mortality and morbidity in β Thalassemia major. Early recognition of cardiac iron overload by 2D and Doppler echocardiography which is economical guides early intervention and hence minimise morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study was assessment of myocardial performance index (MPI) and serum ferritin (SF) in children with β-Thalassemia and to establish relation of myocardial performance index in to serum ferritin level and age. Methods: A Cross -sectional descriptive analytical study including 34 patients in the age group 3 years to 17 years with β-thalassemia on regular blood transfusion were included in the study. M-mode, 2D and Doppler echocardiography is used for analysis of isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), isovolumic contraction time (IVCT), ejection time (ET) and MPI. SF was measured by ELISA. Results: Mean age was 9.21(+/-3.9) years. SF ranged from 365 to 18826µg/L. MPI varied from 0.35 to 0.62. Similarly IVRT varied from 35ms to 74 ms (60.26+/-12.36ms), IVCT from 36 to 75ms, ET from 108 to 280ms. MPI was 0.39±0.04 (Mean±SD) at SF≤1000 µg/L against 0.49±0.04 at SF of 1000 µg/L to 2499 µg/L. Rate of increase of MPI was maximum from SF 582 µg/L to 1962µg/L. Conclusions: Mean MPI is abnormal at SF levels more than 1000 µg/L. Although MPI value is within the normal limit for the age at SF levels less than 1000 µg/L, MPI starts increasing with increasing SF from as low as 582 µg/L. Serial evaluation could give better information even if myocardial performance index falls within normal range for the age.

Parent-reported sleep problems, symptom ratings, and serum ferritin levels in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a case control study

BackgroundSleep problems are common among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Serum ferritin levels have been associated with the severity of symptoms and sleep disturbances among children with ADHD. This study was conducted to investigate parent-reported sleep problems in a sample of Egyptian children with ADHD and to examine the relationship between their sleep, symptom-ratings, and low serum ferritin levels.MethodsParents of 41 ADHD children, aged 6 to 12 years, filled out the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and Conners’ Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Long Version (CPRS-R:L) in Arabic. Serum ferritin levels were determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The parents of the 62 controls filled out the CSHQ.ResultsThe ADHD group showed significantly higher scores in CSHQ subscales and total score. Children with serum ferritin levels <30 ng/mL had more disturbed sleep. There were significant negative correlations between sleep duration subscale, total score of CSHQ, and serum ferritin levels. There were no significant differences in hyperactivity, cognitive problems/inattention, oppositional, or ADHD index subscale scores between children with serum ferritin levels <30 ng/mL and those with serum ferritin levels ≥30 ng/mL.ConclusionsSleep problems are common, and this study suggests an association between low serum ferritin levels and sleep disturbances.

Correlation of Thyroid Hormone Derangement with Serum Ferritin Level in Children with Beta Thalassaemia Major at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh

Background: Thalassaemia is a heterogeneous group of disorders. In multi-transfused thalassaemia major patients the thyroid gland function has been reported to be normal, decreased reserve, or primary hypothyroidism.Objective: This study was an attempt to know the thyroid function status in multi-transfused thalassaemic patients and it's correlation with iron overload.Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Pediatrics at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and Transfusion centre of Bangladesh Thalassaemia Samity, Dhaka during May 2011 to April 2012. Previously diagnosed cases of thalassaemia major patients with transfusion dependent at any age with both sexes were randomly selected for this study. Serum total thyroxine (T4), total triiodothyronine (T3), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and serum ferritin level were estimated from venous blood.Results: A total of 50 previously diagnosed cases of thalassaemia major patients of which 30 male and 20 female of 4 to 15 years age, transfusion dependent were randomly selected for this study. Hypothyroidism was present in 10(20%) patients. Among these 10 patients compensated primary hypothyroidism was in 5(10%) cases and decompensate primary hypothyroidism was 5(10%) cases. The TSH value of hypothyroid patients was higher. Serum ferritin value was significantly higher in all the three groups of thalassaemic patients. There was no significant correlation between the high serum ferritin value with thyroid stimulating hormone or serum total thyroxin level.Conclusion: All transfusion dependent thalassaemic patients need periodic evaluation of thyroid function because there was incidence of hypothyroidism.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v5i2.20762J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2013;5(2):87-90]