Intraerythrocyte Non-Protein-Bound Iron in Children with Bronchopulmonary Pathology

Abstract

A total of 230 children having bronchopulmonary pathology (BPP) were examined. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to their intraerythrocyte non-protein- bound iron (IE-NPBI) levels. We investigated the relationship of the IE-NPBI level with parameters of respiratory function (RF) tests, the severity of comorbidities, and level of other free intracellular ions, such as copper, zinc, and magnesium. The pronounced increase in IE-NPBI level was typical for patients with the connective tissue dysplasia, often accompanied by mitral valve prolapse, osteopenia, and mineral metabolism violation. The severe comorbid diagnoses were typical for patients with reduced levels of IE-NPBI (chronic cor pulmonale, tuberculosis infection). The largest number of comorbidities, aggravating the underlying disease, took place in the group of patients with a significant reduction in IE-NPBI level. A significant increase in IE-NPBI level, as well as a marked reduction of IE-NPBI level, was an unfavorable factor for the underlying disease. We found a correlation between IE-NPBI level and parameters of RF-test in patients with moderate increase in IE-NPBI level.

Keywords

• children;
• bronchopulmonary pathology;
• intraerythrocyte non-protein- bound iron;
• respiratory function.