The impact of iron deficiency anemia on cytokine profiles and respiratory infections in children: a singlecenter study

Najafova, V.A. and Mammadova, R.Y. and Garayeva, S.Z (2025) The impact of iron deficiency anemia on cytokine profiles and respiratory infections in children: a singlecenter study. Медичні перспективи, 30 (4). pp. 134-142. ISSN 2307-0404, online 2786-4804

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Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common nutritional disorder in young children, associated with impaired cognitive, physical, and immune development. This study aimed to evaluate hematological, immunological, and nutritional parameters in children with IDA, determine the incidence of respiratory tract infections in IDA and assess the impact of iron supplementation therapy (IST). A prospective observational cohort study was conducted on 123 children aged 6 months to 5 years (95 term children with IDA and control group included 28 practically healthy children) between 2019-2020 at the National Center for Hematology and Transfusion in Baku, Azerbaijan. Laboratory assessments included hematological parameters, iron status markers, and immune system analysis using flow cytometry and ELISA. Hemoglobin (HgB), red blood cell (RBC) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and ferritin levels were significantly lower in children with IDA compared to the control group (p<0.001), while total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) were elevated. Nutritional analysis revealed a significant deficiency in iron-rich food intake among children with IDA (p<0.050), with low socio-economic status and maternal education identified as key risk factors (p<0.001). Immune system evaluation showed significantly lower interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels (p<0.001) and higher tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels (p=0.003), indicating compromised cellular immunity. The incidence of acute respiratory viral infections and pneumonia was significantly higher in children with IDA (p<0.050). IST over 8-16 weeks led to significant improvements in hematological and immune parameters, with a notable reduction in infection rates (p<0.001). It was proven the negative impact of IDA on immune function and its association with increased susceptibility to infections. IST effectively restores immune function and reduces infection incidence, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in pediatric IDA management

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	DOI:10.26641/2307-0404.2025.4.348337 https://medpers.dmu.edu.ua/uk/2025-tom-xxx/no-4#pdf-15
Uncontrolled Keywords:	iron deficiency anemia, cytokine profiles, iron supplementation therapy, respiratory infections, nutritional status
Subjects:	Pediatrics Infectious diseases
Divisions:	University periodicals > Medical perspectives
Depositing User:	Аліна Чеботарьова
Date Deposited:	28 Apr 2026 10:11
Last Modified:	28 Apr 2026 10:11
URI:	http://repo.dma.dp.ua/id/eprint/9924

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