Meta-analysis of the relationship between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and susceptibility to serum ferritin level elevation.

Objective: To study the possible relationship between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and their susceptibility to serum ferritin level elevation.

Methods: We searched the PubMed, Springer, Medline, and OVID databases for any-language original research articles relating to serum ferritin levels in ALS patients published between June 2005 and June 2015. The search term used with `amyotrophic lateral sclerosis`, `ferritins`, `ferritin`, `iron`, `iron stores, `iron status, `iron intake`, and `iron consumption`. The meta-analysis software RevMan 5.0 was used for the heterogeneity test, and to test for the overall effect.

Results: Six case-control studies met our inclusion criteria including data from a total of 1813 participants. The mean difference of serum ferritin levels comparing ALS to healthy controls was 69.05 (95% confidence interval: 52.56-85.54; p<0.00001); heterogeneity: p=0.03; I2=50%. The findings indicate homology in the sensitivity analysis. Funnel plot assessment indicated publication bias.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that ALS is positively associated with susceptibility to the elevation of serum ferritin levels; however, further evidence is required to support this.