![]() The index value greater than 1.5 was diagnosed as iron deficiency. To make the test more specific, the application of the ratio of sTfR to the log ferritin level (sTfR-F index) has been suggested. As the level of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) is not influenced by ageing or chronic diseases, the assay measuring sTfR has been developed with the indication for the diagnosis of iron deficiency. It thus is required to verify whether the ferritin cutoff value could be applied to community-dwelling older adults. However, the study was performed with hospitalized anemic patients. The desirable ferritin cutoff value for the diagnosis of iron deficiency has been suggested approximately 45 μg/L for older adults, comparing to the lower concentration of 12 μg/L for young adults. This implies that the application of the cutoff point derived from younger populations to the elderly is inappropriate. Moreover, in the case of concomitant chronic disorders which are common in older adults, the serum ferritin level is increased in spite of iron deficiency. ![]() The interpretation in older adults is complicated sometimes due to the serum ferritin level increasing with age. The serum ferritin assay is the best single blood test for the diagnosis of iron deficiency. Although the confirmation of the absence of iron storage in the bone marrow aspirate sample should be the “gold standard” for the diagnosis of iron deficiency, the value of less invasive tests assessing iron storage in general populations has been well established. The diagnosis of iron deficiency is important because the proper iron therapy can improve the symptoms as well as it may indicate the occult gastrointestinal pathology such as malignancy. Two most common causes of anemia in older adults are anemia of chronic disease (ACD) and iron deficiency.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |