Aa
Toxic amount of iron produced in the liver
Why iron is produced in enormous amounts?
I think the normal range is 30–400 ng/mL for males, and 13–150 ng/mL for females.
Keep in mind people with hepc can have elevated ferritin levels because of the liver damage. Some also experience high ferritin levels while taking the antiviral drugs but it usually resolves after cessation of therapy and doctors aren't usually too concerned if that occurs.
My ferritin was around a 1000 ng/mL prior to starting phlebotomy. (Due to PCT) When I finished the phlebotomy sessions it was 17 but my hgb was 12.
Trin
Keep in mind people with hepc can have elevated ferritin levels because of the liver damage. Some also experience high ferritin levels while taking the antiviral drugs but it usually resolves after cessation of therapy and doctors aren't usually too concerned if that occurs.
My ferritin was around a 1000 ng/mL prior to starting phlebotomy. (Due to PCT) When I finished the phlebotomy sessions it was 17 but my hgb was 12.
Trin
Hi Trin-
When you say high ferritin levels, do you mean above the range or way above the range. what would be too high?
- Dave
When you say high ferritin levels, do you mean above the range or way above the range. what would be too high?
- Dave
High serum ferritin levels can also be an indication of porphyria cutanea tarda which can manifest in people with hepc. PCT is dangerous and also accelerates liver fibrosis.
Phlebotomy is necessary to reduce the iron overload in the blood.
Trinity
Phlebotomy is necessary to reduce the iron overload in the blood.
Trinity
There are two types of dietary iron. Animal and plant food. The amount of iron in the body usually amounts to about 3-4 grams, The body has a limited ability to eliminate excess iron from the body. In fact, only about 1-2 mg of iron is capable of being excreted each day. Therefore, if too much iron is ingested (whether in the form of food or supplements), any excess iron is stored in body tissues, primarily the liver. As such, the liver is the part of the body that is most susceptible to the toxicity of iron.
Excessive iron in the body of a liver patient can be extremely dangerous. In extreme excess, iron is toxic to the liver, and can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. Furthermore, there is growing evidence that even mildly increased (or sometimes even normal amounts of iron) may cause or enhance the amount of injury to the liver in the presence of other liver diseases. This applies especially to people with alcoholic liver disease and chronic hepatitis C. In fact, iron overload is commonly seen in patients with alcoholic liver disease and chronic hepatitis C, and has been found to worsen prognosis, and to decrease the responsiveness to treatment. Liver scarring and liver cell damage are directly related to the iron content of the liver cell. Since a person’s body is unable to eliminate an overabundance of iron , neither iron supplements nor vitamins containing iron should be included in the diet of a person with liver disease, unless it has been determined that there is an iron deficiency.
A simple blood test called the serum ferritin test can tell your doctor how much iron is in your body. If your serum ferritin level is high you may want to be tested for hemochromatosis which is a hereditary disease.
Hectorsf
Excessive iron in the body of a liver patient can be extremely dangerous. In extreme excess, iron is toxic to the liver, and can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. Furthermore, there is growing evidence that even mildly increased (or sometimes even normal amounts of iron) may cause or enhance the amount of injury to the liver in the presence of other liver diseases. This applies especially to people with alcoholic liver disease and chronic hepatitis C. In fact, iron overload is commonly seen in patients with alcoholic liver disease and chronic hepatitis C, and has been found to worsen prognosis, and to decrease the responsiveness to treatment. Liver scarring and liver cell damage are directly related to the iron content of the liver cell. Since a person’s body is unable to eliminate an overabundance of iron , neither iron supplements nor vitamins containing iron should be included in the diet of a person with liver disease, unless it has been determined that there is an iron deficiency.
A simple blood test called the serum ferritin test can tell your doctor how much iron is in your body. If your serum ferritin level is high you may want to be tested for hemochromatosis which is a hereditary disease.
Hectorsf
The liver stores iron. I don't think it produces it. Excess iron can be due to a number of things: diet, certain diseases, etc.
Too much iron is toxic and over time can cause damage to many organs.
Too much iron is toxic and over time can cause damage to many organs.
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