Assessment of Serum Ferritin Levels in the Detection of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Paediatric Patients: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide among children. Serum ferritin is a useful biomarker for iron status and can aid early diagnosis of IDA. Objective: To assess the utility of serum ferritin levels in the detection of iron deficiency anemia in pediatric patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 34 pediatric patients (age 6 months to 12 years) clinically suspected of anemia. Hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels were measured. Demographic data and risk factors were analyzed. Results: Out of 34 children, 23 (67.6%) had low serum ferritin (<12 ng/mL) and hemoglobin (<11 g/dL), confirming IDA. Risk factors such as poor dietary intake, low socioeconomic status, and recent infections were commonly observed. Conclusion: Serum ferritin is a reliable and sensitive marker for diagnosing iron deficiency anemia in children. Early identification through ferritin assessment can enable timely intervention and prevent complications.