FERRITIN LEVELS IN PEDIATRIC HIV-1 INFECTION

Ferritin is an acute phase protein which is often elevated in acute an d chronic inflammation, as well as in neoplastic disease. In adults wi th human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, elevated serum ferrit in levels indicate advanced or progressive disease. In the present stu dy, ferritin levels were evaluated in 88 HIV-infected children. Ferrit in levels greater than 100 ng/ml were found in 93% of patients with ad vanced disease. Increasing levels always accompanied or closely preced ed rapid disease progression. Serum ferritin levels may prove to be a useful marker to monitor disease progression and therapeutic efficacy in HIV-infected children.