CLINICAL RELEVANCE OF HEPCIDIN IN IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA PATIENTS: A CASE CONTROL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common cause of anemia worldwide. It is defined as a decreased iron stores in the body. A liver derived peptide hepcidin is been identified as the key systemic regulator of iron homeostasis. The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anaemia requires an understanding of its relationship with demographic, socioeconomic, nutritional and haematological factors in IDA. Objective: Evaluate the ways a liver-derived peptide hepcidin regulates the body's iron balance. Methodology: A case-control study was conducted comprising 100 participants: 50 patients with clinically confirmed newly diagnosed IDA and 50 healthy controls aged 16–60 years. Demographic data, dietary habits, income levels, complete blood counts, peripheral blood smears and comprehensive iron profiles were evaluated. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was utilized to determine the optimal diagnostic cut-off value for serum hepcidin. Results: Serum hepcidin levels were significantly higher in IDA patients than in healthy controls. Hepcidin and iron levels were positively correlated. Serum hepcidin diagnostic cut-off value was 280.94 ng/ml & was determined by ROC curve analysis, resulting in a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 98%. Conclusion: Elevated serum hepcidin is a highly sensitive and specific marker for diagnosing Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA), which helps in differentiating true iron deficiency from inflammatory conditions.