Soluble Transferrin Receptor levels of Apparently Healthy Adults in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: soluble transferrin receptor is an early marker of tissue iron deficiency before onset of anaemia. sTfR is one of the diagnostic markers for iron deficiency anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia is one of the most prevalent causes of anaemia in our environment. However, there is no established reference range for this diagnostic marker sTfR in our environment. Objectives:To determine the soluble transferrin receptor levels in apparently normal adults in Port Harcourt Nigeria, determine the reference value of sTfR in the study population.Methods: This is a descriptive cross sectional study conducted at the university of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. One hundred and fiftyparticipants who satisfied the inclusion criteria were enrolled for this study. Full blood count and sTfR concentration were assayed on anticoagulated blood samples using a 3-part auto analyzer (Sysmex -KX2IN®) and Human sTfR ELISA kit by BioVendor respectively. The results were analysed using SPSS version 21. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results:The mean sTfR concentration of the study population was 0.89±0.46ug/mL with a range of 0.3-3.05ug/ml. The mean value of sTfR for males and females were 0.92±0.49ug/ml and 0.82±0.37ug/ml and the mean sTfR levels did not differ significantly for age and sex. Conclusion:The reference value of sTfR concentration in healthy adults in Port Harcourt was established as 0.3-3.05ug/ml. This study found no statistically significant relationship of sTfR between the different sexes and ages.