Demographic Patterns and Biochemical Determinants of Iron Disorders: A Retrospective Study | Chapter 1 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 6

 

Background: Disorders of iron homeostasis, including iron deficiency and iron overload, represent clinically important and biologically interconnected conditions. Iron deficiency remains the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and a major cause of Anemia, impaired cognitive function, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Conversely, iron overload—most commonly due to hereditary hemochromatosis or secondary causes—can lead to progressive parenchymal iron deposition, culminating in hepatic, cardiac, and endocrine complications. Real-world comparative data across the full spectrum of iron dysregulation in hospital-based populations remain limited.

 

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to characterise demographic patterns and biochemical profiles of iron deficiency and iron overload and to identify independent predictors using routinely available laboratory parameters.

 

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 110 patients who underwent iron profile testing at a tertiary care centre. Patient data were extracted from the hospital’s electronic health records. Patients were categorised into iron deficiency, normal iron status, and iron overload groups using predefined cut-offs for serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation (TSAT). Laboratory analyses were performed in an accredited clinical laboratory using standardised automated immunoassays and spectrophotometric techniques. Group comparisons were performed using appropriate statistical tests, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors.

 

Results: Iron-deficient patients were significantly younger and more likely to be female, with markedly lower ferritin and TSAT and significantly higher TIBC (p < 0.001). The iron overload group showed significantly elevated ferritin and TSAT with a male predominance and relatively lower TIBC. Post-hoc analysis confirmed significant differences across all groups. Female sex, younger age, and higher TIBC independently predicted iron deficiency, while older age and elevated TSAT were associated with iron overload.

 

Conclusions: Hospital-based patients demonstrate clear demographic and biochemical stratification across iron status categories. The findings emphasise the importance of interpreting iron parameters as an integrated panel rather than in isolation. Integrated interpretation of iron indices, together with simple demographic variables, may improve early identification and risk stratification of iron dysregulation in routine clinical practice. Given the single-centre, retrospective design, future multicenter prospective studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate these findings and assess their clinical applicability across diverse populations.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Kuldeep Singh
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Katra, India.

 

Sonalika Rajput
Government Medical College, Jammu, India.

 

Rohit
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Katra, India.

 

Abid Manzoor

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Katra, India.

 

Eishita Gupta
SMVDIME, J&K, India.

 

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