Page 1 of 1: Serum Ferritin

whiteguardian · Credits: 9523 My Scrapbook

The serum ferritin test is ordered to see how much iron your body has stored for future use. Reduced serum ferritin concentration is the most useful test for diagnosis of iron deficiency.[1] As the body iron stores decrease so does the serum ferritin. A serum ferritin concentration below 12 ug/L is virtually diagnostic of absent iron stores.

On the other hand, a normal serum ferritin concentration does not confirm the presence of storage iron, because serum ferritin concentration may be increased independently of body iron by infection, inflammation, liver disease, malignancy, and other conditions.[2]

The goal of therapy in individuals with iron deficiency Anemia is not only to repair the Anemia, but also to replenish the iron stores. Sustained treatment for a period of 6 to 12 months after correction of the Anemia will be necessary.

The Hemoglobin concentration begins to increase after the first week and is usually normal within 6 weeks. Microcytosis may take as long as 4 months to resolve completely. The serum ferritin concentration remains below 12 ug/L until the Anemia is corrected and then gradually rises as storage iron is replenished.

References:
==========
1. Goddard AF, McIntyre AS, Scott BB: Guidelines for the management of iron deficiency anaemia. British Society of Gastroenterology. Gut 46(suppl 3-4):IV1, 2000.
2. Cook J: The nutritional assessment of iron status. Arch Latinoam Nutr 49:11S, 1999

whiteguardian · Credits: 9523 My Scrapbook

normal serum ferritin concentration does not confirm the presence of storage iron, because serum ferritin concentration may be increased independently of body iron by infection, inflammation, liver disease, malignancy, and other conditions.[1]

An increased ferritin (>400 ng/ml) occurs in iron excess and in the following: iron overload from hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis; oral or parenteral iron administration; inflammatory diseases; acute or chronic liver disease involving alcoholism; acute myoblastic or lymphoblastic leukemia; other malignancies (Hodgkin’s disease, breast carcinoma, malignant Lymphoma); Hyperthyroidism; hemolytic Anemia, megaloblastic Anemia; thalassemia (normal or sometimes higher).

Ferritin is normally found mainly inside of cells, with only a small amount in the blood. When there is damage to organs that contain ferritin (especially the liver, spleen, and bone marrow), ferritin levels can become elevated even though the total amount of iron in the body is normal.

References:
==========
1. Cook J: The nutritional assessment of iron status. Arch Latinoam Nutr 49:11S, 1999.

ujwals · Credits: 4860 My Scrapbook

Reduced serum ferritin is seen in IDA ,hypothyroidism, vit-C deficiency.

astrocles · Credits: 3953 My Scrapbook

hi, good stuff

there was a q-n basd on the topic u've put up!

what is the level of serum ferritin which serves as an indicator of depletion of stores

<10
<20
<30
<40 micro g/l

whiteguardian · Credits: 9523 My Scrapbook

I guess you got your answer then....

it is less than 12... So closest to it is less than 10.

omkarc · Credits: 5282 My Scrapbook

nice info

Kai1111 · Credits: 2036 My Scrapbook

Curious to know what you think of patients that have normal hgb/hct, low serum iron and %sat, but normal ferritin....many times the %sat will be normal too (i.e. only serum iron levels low)....after months of therapy, nothing changes? This observations affect a native american population and I'm beginning to wonder if there is something genetic going on. The local hematologist says to not treat unless the ferritin levels are low and not worry.....it seems unusual though and I just keep wondering why.

Tamal · Credits: 156 My Scrapbook

thankz.....iam new to this site....i came across this site while searching for a guide to PGexams,your topic is very important one here,thankz....

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