We evaluated the usefulness of soluble
transferrin receptor (sTfR) and of the sTfR/log
ferritin index(sTfR/logF) in the differentiation of
anemia in young children. 96 children, aged 6-36 months, were examined.From these, four groups were distinguished: 1 - (IDA): 33 children with
anemia due to
iron deficiency; 2 -(IA): 19 children with infectious
anemia without
iron deficiency; 3 - (IA + ID): 16 children with infectious
anemia and
iron deficiency; and 4 - a comparator group (CG): 28 healthy children without
iron deficiency. The soluble
transferrin receptor, hematological indices and
iron balance were evaluated and the sTfR/logF was calculated for each examined child. It was proved that the mean values of sTfR and sTfR/logF were substantially higher in children with
anemia due to
iron deficiency, and in those with infectious
anemia and
iron deficiency,vs. those with infectious
anemia or in healthy children. This suggests that both sTfR and the sTfR/logF are good indicators of
iron deficiency and could be useful in the differential diagnostics of
anemia, especially in young children.