Trends in ferritin measurements in children and adolescents: A Finnish 9-year observational study.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

A lack of stored iron, indicated by low serum ferritin, has been associated with various clinical symptoms. There are no longitudinal data on the frequency of ferritin measurements in children and adolescents.

Methods

A total of 2834 children aged <18 years with serum ferritin and other anaemia-related blood parameters taken during an outpatient visit between 2012 and 2019 were investigated. Patients with acute infections were excluded. Nationwide temporal and regional variations and correlations with public information searches through Google were analysed.

Results

A significant increase in the frequency of ferritin measurements was seen starting in 2018, with a 47-fold rise in 2019 compared to 2012. A simultaneous escalation in Google Search activity was seen. D

SUBMITTER: Nikkila A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9541652 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature