Work

Prognostic implications of serum ferritin levels in non-anemic women with stage 3 chronic kidney disease

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often accompanied by iron deficiency and persistent inflammation, both of which complicate the evaluation of iron metabolism and its clinical relevance. Although serum ferritin is commonly used to assess iron status in anemic CKD patients, data on its prognostic value in non-anemic, iron-deficient individuals remain limited and inconclusive. Methods: ). Results: < 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that low ferritin levels were especially protective against AKI and pneumonia in patients with elevated CRP (>10 mg/L), postmenopausal women, and those aged 18-64. The association of low ferritin levels with enhanced renal function preservation was more pronounced in postmenopausal women, individuals with vitamin D ≥ 30 ng/ml, and patients with diabetes. Conversely, adequate ferritin was associated witha lower fracture risk in older adults (>65 years) and those with vitamin D < 20 ng/ml. Conclusion: This study of non-anemic female patients with stage 3 CKD found that adequate ferritin levels correlated with a heightened risk of AKI, renal disease progression, and pneumonia. In contrast, low ferritin levels were associated with a higher fracture risk but a lower likelihood of renal function deterioration.

Source: Frontiers in Nutrition

DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1682003