The prevalence of iron deficiency and anemia in the setting of modern-day maintenance immunosuppression in pediatric heart transplant (HTx) recipients is unclear. The primary aim was to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency (serum ferritin < 30 ng/mL ± transferrin saturation < 20%) and anemia per World Health Organization diagnostic criteria and associated risk factors.

Methods

Single-center, cross-sectional analysis of 200 consecutive pediatric HTx recipients (<21 years old) from 2005 to 2021. Data were collected at 1-year post-HTx at the time of annual protocol biopsy.

Results

Median age at transplant was 3 years (IQR .5–12.2). The median ferritin level was 32 ng/mL with 46% having ferritin < 30 ng/mL. Median transferrin saturation (TSAT) was 22% with 47% having TSAT < 20%. Median hemoglobin was 11 g/dL with 54% having anemia. Multivariable analysis revealed lower absolute lymphocyte count, TSAT < 20%, and estimated glomerular filtration rate <75 mL/min/1.73 m² were independently associated with anemia. Ferritin < 30 ng/mL in isolation was not associated with anemia. Ferritin < 30 ng/mL may aid in detecting absolute iron deficiency while TSAT < 20% may be useful in identifying patients with functional iron deficiency ± anemia in pediatric HTx recipients.

Conclusion

Iron deficiency and anemia are highly prevalent in pediatric HTx recipients. Future studies are needed to assess the impact of iron deficiency, whether with or without anemia, on clinical outcomes in pediatric HTx recipients.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions.

Supporting Information

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Volume38, Issue6

June 2024

e15367

Prevalence of iron deficiency and anemia in pediatric heart transplant recipients

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Supporting Information

REFERENCES

References

Information

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Prevalence of iron deficiency and anemia in pediatric heart transplant recipients

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Supporting Information

REFERENCES

References

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