Ferritin levels in pediatric HIV-1 infection

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