[Serum ferritin in children with disorders of iron balance].

Serum ferritin (SF) was determined by an immunoradiometric assay in a heterologous antibody system in 184 children of different ages with and without hematologic or biochemical signs of disturbed iron metabolism. SF levels as determined by this assay were higher than with a homologous antibody system, allowing a reliable discrimination of iron deficiency and overload. In normal children SF increased with age. In latent iron deficiency all SF values were below the normal range, if patients with signs of infections, elevated serum transaminases or parenteral iron therapy were excluded. In anemia of chronic renal failure there was a wider range of values than in controls, especially in children on intermittent hemodialysis. Highest SF values were obtained in polytransfused children with thalassemia. Significant correlations were observed between SF on one hand and Hb, MCV, MCH and serum transferrin saturation on the other hand, except in children with chronic renal failure on conservative treatment. Under hemodialysis there was a significant relation to the number of blood transfusions given.