Hepcidin Levels as an Early Biomarker for Oral Iron Therapy Response in Children with IDA

The goal of a new study was to evaluate the change in serum hepcidin levels and its correlation with hemoglobin (Hb) levels during the first two weeks of oral iron therapy in children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). 

This was a prospective observational study that included 64 children – aged 2-12 years with IDA. Children with severe anemia (Hb <7 g/dL), recent fever, infections, iron intake, or blood transfusion, and those intolerant to oral iron were excluded. Serum hepcidin-25 levels were measured using ELISA kits before treatment (day 0), 24 hours after starting therapy, and on day 14.

The results showed that the mean baseline hemoglobin was 8.81 g/dL, while the mean baseline serum hepcidin-25 level was 7.81 ng/mL. Serum hepcidin levels increased significantly to 8.38 ng/mL after 24 hours and 9.51 ng/mL on day 14 of treatment. Overall, 63 children exhibited good therapeutic responses. Meanwhile, there was no significant correlation between baseline hepcidin levels and changes in hemoglobin on day 1 or day 14.

The findings suggested that serum hepcidin levels rise significantly within 24 hours of starting oral iron therapy in children with IDA. This can have a potential application as an early biomarker for response to treatment. Further research is warranted to determine the role of hepcidin in monitoring therapy in both responders and non-responders compared to conventional hematological parameters.

Source: Singh T, Arora SK, Goyal P, et al. Indian Pediatrics. 2024 Sep;61(9):823-7.