Impact of ferritin serum concentration on survival in children with acute leukemia: a long-term follow-up

Introduction: Nowadays, a significant number of children with acute leukemia can be cured. Iron overload, related to blood transfusions and its long-term complications, remains problem. Elevated ferritin concentration is often observed in this group. The aim study was evaluate the prognostic value serum on outcomes treated for leukemia. Material: We studied 71 patients lymphoblastic (ALL) or myeloblastic (AML) between 2005 2011. Serum concentration, transaminases activity, lactic dehydrogenase C-reactive protein levels (CRP) were analysed. >1,000 µg/L considered marker iron overload. Results: Thirty-seven (52.1%) had Ferritin correlated alanine aminotranferase activity ( p =0.001) CRP =0.012). A total 19 (26.76%) died during follow-up. level higher AML vs. ALL. There difference respect high concentrations, both undergoing haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) non-HCT Conclusions: In groups, concentrations worse overall event-free survivals relapse incidence. strongest determinant treatment outcome. an adverse survival chemotherapy without HCT.