Serum ferritin as an indicator of the development of encephalopathy in enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli -induced hemolytic uremic syndrome

Objectives To investigate the diagnostic value of serum ferritin levels as a marker of disease activity and the development of encephalopathy in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) induced by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli . Methods Twenty patients with HUS were studied. Serum ferritin levels were compared with clinical features and serum soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNFR) I and sTNFRII levels. Serum sTNFRI and sTNFRII levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results Serum ferritin levels were significantly elevated at the time of the diagnosis of HUS. Serum ferritin levels were significantly elevated in patients with encephalopathy compared to patients without encephalopathy. HUS patients with serum ferritin levels of >687.5 ng/ml were at high risk of encephalopathy. Serum ferritin levels were significantly positively correlated with serum sTNFRI and sTNFRII levels. Conclusions Serum ferritin levels are a promising indicator of the development of encephalopathy in HUS.