Extreme fatigue, elevated iron, transferrin sat rate, high bilirubin, weight loss, loss of appetite

[ToshaMO1]

My 18 yr old son has been very fatigued for several months now.  He also has high levels of iron(200 ug/dL), high transferrin saturation(71 percent), low unbound IBC(81 ug/dL) and elevated total bilirubin(1.9 mg/dL). His serum ferritin was good though (163 ng/mL)  He has had the genetic hemochromatosis test, but it was negative.  He has also been losing weight. He is 5'9" and is down to 122 lbs. now.  He also suffers with inappropriate sinus tachycardia(he did a 30 day event monitor)  What could be causing all of these?  We are starting to get worried and the docs here don't seem to have a clue.  Please help!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the workup for hemochromatosis.

That said, there are a variety of reasons that can lead to fatigue.  I'm not sure if the sinus tachycardia is related, but in cases of dehydration, that can lead to both fatigue and the tachycardia.

Basic blood tests can be done, including a metabolic panel, blood count, thyroid function, B12 level, monospot testing as well as Lyme disease testing.

This would be a good start to look for a possible cause.  If they're negative, you can discuss other options with your personal physician.

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 Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd

[k7890]

I have much the same test results, plus a numb sensation in my penis. I've had  no luck with a diagnosis so far.