Levels of Immunoglobulins among iron deficiency anemic children in Sana’a City Yemen

Abstract

Iron deficiency (ID) is a common cause of anemia worldwide. The importance of iron deficiency as a public health problem is based ultimately on the seriousness of its consequences on health. This case-control study aimed to evaluate the levels of immunoglobulins (IgM and IgG), and their association with hematological parameters, iron indices, total and differential leukocyte count among children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). This study was conducted during a period of six months; starting in December 2021 and ending in May 2022. During this period, 136 samples were collected from preschool-aged children (<5 years) who attended outpatient pediatric clinics in Al-Sabeen hospital for maternity and childhood and other private pediatric clinics in Sana'a city, Yemen. Sixty-eight IDA and 68 age and sex-matched healthy children were enrolled and a complete history was obtained. Clinical examination, C-reactive protein, albumin test, complete blood count, iron profile tests and immunoglobulins assays were performed. The results of the present study revealed that, serum levels of IgM and IgG in IDA group were significantly lower than those in control group (p= 0.001). Total leukocyte count and percentage of eosinophils were significantly increased (p= 0.01, 0.001, respectively), in contrast, percentages of lymphocytes and monocytes were significantly decreased (p= 0.002, p= 0.04, respectively) in IDA than control group.  However, there were no statistically significant differences in percentages of neutrophils, basophils and platelets count between the two groups (p=0.47, 1.00, 0.07, respectively). Serum levels of IgM were correlated with levels of Hb, HCT, RBCs, MCV, MCH, RDW, iron indices and percentage of eosinophils (p<0.05). However, serum levels of IgG were correlated with levels of all hematological parameters, iron indices and percentage of eosinophils (p<0.05). It can be concluded from these results that the IDA is associated with humoral immunity and may predict increased susceptibility to infections.