Hepcidin and proinflammatory markers in children with chronic kidney disease: A case-control study

Abstract

A positive correlation between hepcidin and other inflammatory biomarkers in non-dialyzed, iron- and EPO-naïve pediatric CKD patients suggests a role of these markers in higher hepcidin production and its contribution to iron-restricted erythropoiesis across the spectrum of CKD. Median hepcidin levels were highest in those with impaired iron trafficking, followed by those with no iron deficiency, followed by those with absolute iron deficiency, suggesting that in an iron-replete state, high hepcidin levels inhibit iron absorption from the gut and release from iron storing cells, thus restricting erythropoiesis leading to anemia. .