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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Elevated Ferritin Level - advise needed
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Elevated Ferritin Level - advise needed
by MiamiCuse, Jan 13, 2006 12:00AM
44 year old Asian male.
I have been having high ferritin levels from my blood tests during my annual physical for the past five years. Back in 2000 it was at 520 and last week it was 460. My doctor told me everything else is normal with my blood and urine test, and in 2001 he did a hemochromatosis screen and I was negative. Other than that the only problem I had was a higher blood sugar in 2003, which from that point forward I have been watching and avoiding food with sugar and now it's back to normal. My doctor says this ferritin level is of concern but there is nothing else to worry about as everything else "seems" normal. My standard physical included blood pressure test, examination of my lungs (breath in breath out), prostate test (check for blood), blood and urine. I am not taking any medication or supplements.
Are there any other test/scan I should do to analyze this further?
Thanks,
MC
I have been having high ferritin levels from my blood tests during my annual physical for the past five years. Back in 2000 it was at 520 and last week it was 460. My doctor told me everything else is normal with my blood and urine test, and in 2001 he did a hemochromatosis screen and I was negative. Other than that the only problem I had was a higher blood sugar in 2003, which from that point forward I have been watching and avoiding food with sugar and now it's back to normal. My doctor says this ferritin level is of concern but there is nothing else to worry about as everything else "seems" normal. My standard physical included blood pressure test, examination of my lungs (breath in breath out), prostate test (check for blood), blood and urine. I am not taking any medication or supplements.
Are there any other test/scan I should do to analyze this further?
Thanks,
MC
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 13, 2006 12:00AM
, Jan 13, 2006 12:00AM
As you have mentioned, hemochromatosis is the most pressing concern. The screen for this can be repeated.
I would also consider evaluating the liver function tests. If elevated, you can consider a liver biopsy to definitively rule out the possibility of hemochromatosis.
An elevated ferritin can be an acute phase reactant. This means that during periods of inflammation, cancer, or infection, this level can be raised.
Imaging the liver with an ultrasound or a CT scan can be considered.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
I would also consider evaluating the liver function tests. If elevated, you can consider a liver biopsy to definitively rule out the possibility of hemochromatosis.
An elevated ferritin can be an acute phase reactant. This means that during periods of inflammation, cancer, or infection, this level can be raised.
Imaging the liver with an ultrasound or a CT scan can be considered.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
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