High performance liquid chromatography evaluation of serum carbohydrate-deficient transferrin and more sialylated transferrin glycoforms in children

Objectives. The evaluation of the age-specific distribution of transferrin glycoforms in paediatric patients may help in defining reference intervals which are critical for an improved and earlier diagnosis. Design and methods. Serum samples from 224 children (age: 2 months–14 years) were analyzed by HPLC (Bio-Rad CDT/HPLC kit) and glycoforms expressed as percentage of the total area of transferrin (Tf). Results. Asialo- and Monosialo-Tf were not detectable in any patient. Medians (IQR) were respectively 0.92% (0.80–1.04%) for Disialo-Tf; 3.47% (2.69–4.18%) for Trisialo-Tf; 82.54% (81.32–83.53%) for Tetrasialo-Tf; 12.73% (11.91–14.09%) for Pentasialo-Tf. Statistically significant differences in Trisialo-Tf (p < 0.0005), Tetrasialo-Tf (p = 0.001), Pentasialo-Tf (p < 0.0005), but not in Disialo-Tf, were observed between the age groups. Conclusions. Age-specific Disialo-Tf cut-offs are not necessary. In children 1.3% and 6.4% may be suggested as upper limits of normal range to detect increases of Disialo- an...