Ferritin levels in children with severe sepsis and septic shock.

Aim: To evaluate serum ferritin level in children with severe sepsis and septic shock and its association with mortality.

Method: A cohort study of 36 children aged 1 month-16 years with severe sepsis or septic shock requiring intensive care was conducted. Serum ferritin levels were measured at the time of diagnosis of sepsis and a ferritin index (FI=observed serum ferritin divided by the upper limit of normal ferritin for age and gender) was calculated.