Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Taschwer, S.
The Assessment of Iron Status in the Context of Infection and Inflammation
A Review of the Current Literature for the Clinical Pilot Study:OLEOvital®Fe FEMINA
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2021. pp. 65
[OPEN ACCESS]
FullText
- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Holasek Sandra Johanna
- Lackner Sonja
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Introduction: Iron deficiency is very common in the world nowadays and caused by various mechanisms. Nevertheless, the correct diagnosis is not always easy. Especially in the setting of inflammation, the proper interpretation of the biomarkers of the body iron status is difficult. This problem may also be essential in detecting iron deficiency in individuals with chronic inflammatory diseases, the metabolic syndrome and depression, particularly as associations between the iron indicator levels and these diseases have been found. Additionally, iron deficiency and its correct detection and treatment is crucial for athletes. This thesis focuses on all these patient groups. Methods: This thesis is based on the methods of a scoping review. A strategic search was done on PubMed. In total, 26 systematic reviews, meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials were included to give an overview of the most recent literature on iron status, inflammation and the correlation with common settings including chronic inflammatory diseases, the metabolic syndrome and depression as well as athletes. Results: In total, 23 studies from the PubMed search met the inclusion criteria. Based on seven of these studies, the approaches for a correct interpretation of the iron indicators in the setting of inflammation were elucidated. Serum ferritin still is the most commonly used iron indicator, but i n order to be reliable in the setting of inflammation, it has to beadjusted to increased inflammatory markers or interpreted in combination with TSAT. Regarding the contemporary research on this topic, rather few academic works focus on more recently considered markers of iron status, such as sTfR or hepcidin. The results of ten of the studies selected in the literature research were used to analyze the problem of the correct diagnosis of iron status in various clinical settings. Furthermore, six additional studies, which el aborate the relevance of this topic in athletes, were included. The results of this thesis reveal that numerous studies found associations between a low iron status, inflammation and the clinical settings that are in the focus of this work (chronic inflammatory diseases, metabolic syndrome, depression, athletes). Nevertheless, the exact pathophysiological mechanisms between these relations are still not entirely clear. Conclusion: Inflammation is an important factor in the diagnosis and, hence, in the treatment of iron deficiency. Despite the use of serum ferritin in the detection of iron statusin the setting of increased markers of inflammation is controversial, it is currently still the most employed marker in this context, even though other iron indicators are investigated. Since not only inflammation but also iron deficiency may play a crucial role in different very prevalent diseases of the Western world, such as chronic inflammatory diseases, the ximetabolic syndrome and depression, and also in athletes, the correct diagnosis of iron status in the setting of inflammation is essential. I n order to ensure the most effective treatment possible for all patients with iron deficiency, additional studies with special emphasis on these specific groups are necessary.