Ferritin and transferrin saturation index levels in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood psychiatric disorders and is believed to be caused by genetic and environmental factors. Various studies have reported that body iron levels and ADHD are correlated. In our study, we aimed to investigate the correlation of serum ferritin and transferrin saturation index (TSI) with ADHD subtypes and Conners' Teacher Rating Scale (CTRS) scores. METHODS: This retrospective study included 131 boys and 16 girls between 7 and 16 years of age who were diagnosed with ADHD in accordance with DSM-IV TR diagnostic criteria. The data on serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin, and CTRS scores were obtained from the patients' hospital files. Statistical analyses were then done on these data. RESULTS: The mean serum ferritin level was 27.1 +- 15.6 ng/mL and the mean TSI level was 18.1 +- 9.1%. The mean serum ferritin level of those diagnosed with combined type ADHD (25.78 +- 12.90 ng/mL), in accordance with DSM-IV TR criteria, was lower than those diagnosed with predominantly inattentive type (32.75 +- 23.54 ng/mL) (p = 0.034). However, there was no difference in serum TSI values (p = 0.835). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In the present study, serum ferritin levels were lower in patients with ADHD than in patients with attention deficit predominant type, and the relationship between iron parameters and ADHD was demonstrated. The necessity of evaluating iron parameters in ADHD cases has been understood once again.

Keywords

• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• ferritin
• transferrin saturation index