Iron / ferritin and SVR

[drofi]

Here in Germany there are some messages about lowering iron load of the blood by phlebotomy (drawing blood) to improve SVR chances. My ferritin is about 750. What do you think, is it better to decrease the value before starting therapy, or is it nothing else than "lab-cosmetics"?

drofi

[drofi]

Hey, thanks for all the comments. Seems like there is no yes-or-no answer about iron blood levels and SVR.
I do not have hemocromotosis and high ferritin only. What I do not understand is, why should I not reduce the blood level, if the scientists did not really come to an agreement about this question? If I undergo phlebotomy  weeks *before* I start tx, then my ery-count should normalize again, but iron will be down. Is there any good reason not to do this?
miked, you wanted to know where I live in Germany. I live near Dortmund, where the worlds best soccer team comes from :-)

drofi

[Pauly Boy]

I was not aware of my condition before starting tx. At about 3-4 weeks into tx, my HGB dropped significantly and I went on procrit. Meanwhile, due to the HGB drop they tested my Ferritn and Iron Leves. My Ferritin 1019and Iron 240 were high but my Iron Binding Cap. 256 is OK. This indicates the possibility of hemocromotosis. Doc said since you will be done with tx in 20 weeks, we can wait until tx is finished, then I will get a liver bx and see if I do have the gene for this thing. I was told one of the procedures for tx of this disease is a transfusion type of procedure. It rids the blood of the iron/ferritin. Oh boy, I can't wait... It's just one mystery after another!!! LOL...  I'd speak to the doc about way to proceed. I'd assume that your particular condition and lab levels would indicate how to proceed.  Best of Luck my friend...
Stay Strong.       Pauly

[suzieq2]

I went through this, had the hemochromotosis testing was neg. It took me a long time to finnally get the answer to this Iron, Ferratin question. The hepatitis raises the ferratin and is not an issue of concern. If the liver is storing Iron is when iron letting should be done before starting treatment. It is the Iron that will interfer with your chances of svr, and reduces the effect of your interferon. Iron storage and ferratin are two different issues.

[returntosender]

You might look at MKAndrew's post on 9/2 and perhaps on his website/blog (I think it is mkandrew.com) as he talks about this subject a lot.

[rosygirl]

I had a high iron load before starting treatment.  My liver biopsy showed that I was not storing iron so my doctor said it was not a problem at all.  Been on tx for 6 months and haven't had it treated.  Was undetectable at 12 weeks.  Have you had a biopsy?

[miked]

Google for the following document:

Current Hepetitis Reports November 2004, 3:140-147
by James E. Nelson and Kris V. Kowdley, MD
Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington Medical Center

I have high iron which is known to negatively affect the outcome of treatment and cause serious health problems.

Also go to http://www.mkandrew.com/ which is hosted by Miles Andrews.  Miles recently wrote that he is undergoing phlebotomy (blood letting) to keep his iron in check.  If you email Miles he may respond back.

Where are you in Germany?

[drofi]

Hey honey11,

hmm, I am still confused about this question. See
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1111/j.1572-0241.2002.05705.x/abs/

I want to take any chance to improve my chances and drawing some blood is not a big thing. Have there been discussions about this questions in the US?

drofi

[honey11]

Hey Drofi,,,My husbands ferritin was 650 before starting tx. And after he finished tx and obtained SVR, it is now normal.  Hepatitis does raise the ferritin in lots of people.  Ask you dr about your ferritin and you may want him to check for hemochromotis. That can happen and store iron also.