ALTERED IRON METABOLISM IN CHILDREN WITH HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS DISEASE

Abstract

Background: Despite the high prevalence of altered iron metabolism in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease, these alterations have not been well studied. Procedures: Twenty-six children with HIV disease underwent laboratory evaluation to determine the presence of anemia, and to classify the anemia as iron-deficiency anemia or anemia of chronic disease. Results: Half of the children had an alteration in iron metabolism: 6 were iron deficient, 4 had hyperferritinemia, and 3 demonstrated hyperferritinemia with iron deficiency. Conclusions: These data indicate that alterations in iron metabolism are common even in the HAART era and warrant further study to identify individuals at risk for these alterations.

Keywords:

• anemia
• HIV
• pediatric hematology/oncology