[Soluble tranferrin receptor in the biological diagnosis of iron deficiency. Report of 24 cases].

Background: In inflammatory diseases, classical parameters of iron status (serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron-binding capacity of transferrin and transferrin saturation) are not very reliable.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate soluble transferrin receptor, its index and classical parameters of iron status [serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron-binding capacity of transferrin and transferrin saturation] during iron-deficiency anemia and combined iron deficiency and inflammatory anemia.

Methods: Our study concerned 24 patients: 18 patients with iron-deficiency anemia and 6 patients with combined iron-deficiency and inflammatory anemia. 55 healthy subjects were included as controls. Both groups underwent classical parameters of iron status [serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron-binding capacity of transferrin and transferrin saturation] and measurement of soluble transferrin receptor with its index.

Results: In iron-deficiency anemia, total iron-binding capacity of transferrin, soluble transferrin receptor and its index were enhanced, whereas serum iron, ferritinemia and transferrin saturation were low compared to controls. Compared to patients with iron-deficiency anemia, those with combined iron-deficiency and inflammatory anemia showed higher levels of serum iron and ferritinemia. In contrast, soluble transferrin receptor and its index did not vary significantly between both groups.

Conclusion: Our findings show the interest of soluble transferrin receptor and its index in the detection of iron deficiency during anemia of inflammatory states.