Intact FGF23 and Markers of Iron Homeostasis, Inflammation, and Bone Mineral Metabolism in Acute Pediatric Infections.

We intend to evaluate the association of intact Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (i-FGF23), a phosphaturic hormone that contributes to anemia of inflammation, with markers of iron homeostasis, inflammation, and bone mineral metabolism in acute pediatric infections. Seventy-nine children, aged 1 month-13 years, out of which forty-two were males and thirty-seven females, participated in this study. Children with diseases and nutrient deficiencies causing anemia were excluded. Twenty-six patients had bacterial infections, twenty-six had viral infections, and twenty-seven children served as healthy controls. Complete blood count, markers of inflammation, iron and mineral metabolism, serum hepcidin, and i-FGF23 were compared between the groups. Thirty-nine percent of patients with bacterial infection and twelve percent of patients with viral infection presented characteristics of anemia of inflammation (