Acta haematologica
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The prevalence rates of hypoferritinemia (IDec/one abnormal indicator), iron deficiency (IDef/two abnormal indicators) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children who were referred to the outpatient clinics of the Department of Pediatrics for the first time within 1 month were investigated. Exclusion criteria were iron therapy before and during the study period and a history of chronic illness. Acute-phase reactants, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels, were measured in all cases indicative of infectious diseases. ⋯ SI concentration was abnormal in 77.1% of the cases in group I (4 months to 2 years of age). Half of the patients referred to the outpatient clinics were suffering from abnormalities related to lower SI concentrations. Close monitoring and treatment of iron deficiency is advised especially in early childhood.