<b>COMPLEMENT DYSREGULATION IN PEDIATRIC IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA</b>

Introduction: Complement proteins are key players in the innate immune system. Children with iron deficiency often experience impaired immunity, making them more prone to infections. This study aimed to measure serum levels of C3 and C4 complement proteins in children with iron deficiency anemia. Methods: The study included 50 children under 15 years old diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, alongside 50 healthy controls. All participants underwent a comprehensive clinical assessment, complete blood count (CBC), and laboratory tests measuring serum ferritin, iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and complement proteins (C3 and C4). Results: Compared to the healthy controls, children with iron deficiency anemia showed significantly lower levels of ferritin, TIBC, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red blood cells (RBC) count (p < 0.05). Additionally, serum complement proteins C3 and C4 were significantly reduced in the iron-deficient group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) respectively, suggesting impaired complement activation. Notably, neutrophil and monocyte counts were elevated in the iron-deficient group, indicating an altered immune response. Conclusion: The study revealed that serum levels of C3 and C4 complement proteins were significantly altered in children with iron deficiency anemia, potentially contributing to their increased susceptibility to infections.