A novel diagnostic approach to differentiate iron overload from inflammation in children using transferrin saturation (TSAT) and ferritin-based indices: A cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT: ObjectiveTo evaluate the TSAT*SF and SF/TSAT indices in children living at different altitudes, with and without inflammation, and to examine their correlations with markers of iron homeostasis.MethodsA cross-sectional, multicenter study included 238 children aged 6 to 72 months. We assessed TSAT*SF and SF/TSAT indices in relation to serum hepcidin, total body iron (TBI), hematological and nutritional parameters, and inflammatory markers.ResultsChildren with elevated inflammatory markers resided at high altitude (HA) and exhibited increased hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit, and a higher prevalence of erythrocytosis, alongside lower rates of anemia. Log-transformed values of SF, TBI, hepcidin, SF/TSAT ratio, and log(SF/TSAT) were significantly elevated in the inflammation group. In contrast, TSA

SUBMITTER: Gonzales GF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12515325 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature