SERUM CARNITINE LEVELS IN CHILDREN WITH IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA WITH OR WITHOUT PICA

摘要

Camitine is ingested through animal-derived foods as well as synthesized in vivo. It plays an important role in the energy metabolism of many tissues. Iron acts as a co-factor for Hie synthesis of camitine. However, the importance of iron deficiency as a cause of secondary camitine deficiency is not well established. The aim of this study was to investigate ilie serum levels of camitine in children with iron-deficiency anemia compared to those of healthy children and to determine if serum camitine levels in with or without pica differ. The mean serum camitine concentration in the iron-deficiency group was significantly lower than that in healthy children (12.44+-5.09 and 32.48± 7.92 /xmol/L, respectively, p < .001). In the iron-deficient group, serum camitine levels, ferritin levels, and other hematological parameters were lowest in patients with pica (p < . 001). Pearson correlation test indicated a positive correlation between serum camitine and ferritin levels in iron-deficient patients. Based on the evidence about the effect of low iron on carniline stores in animal studies, the authors propose that low serum camitine levels in these children may be secondary to iron-deficiency anemia. However, further large-scale studies are needed to establish the frequency of camitine deficiency in children with iron-deficiency anemia.