ferriton

[djbn13]

Are high levels of ferriton normal for people with hepc?
On the results I got yesterday it says ferriton is  394.1 and the standard range is 13-150

[RobertBeWell]

Indeed, mine are elevated. Basically, as my hepatologist explained to me, high ferritin levels are a by product of inflammation in the liver cells - the liver stores iron, and when the cells are damaged, it releases it into the blood stream. Just exactly the same things as having elevated liver enzymes.

When ferritin is elevated in this manner, it's termed an "acute phase reactant" which is just fancy language for it's being release because of cell damage. Not at all unusual with Hep C patients.

To make certain that the iron isn't overloaded though, she used the results from my biopsy. They stain the sample to look for excess iron buildup in the liver. In my case, it was negligible, therefore, she wasn't the least bit concerned with my level being three times the normal limit.

Of course, I only base this on my particular situation, and I'm not a doctor by any means. I'm sure your practitioner will evaluate in a similar fashion if they feel it's warranted.

Good luck,

Robert

[Trinity4]

Yes, often times those of us with hepc have elevated ferrtin levels.  Really nothing to worry about unless it is related to Porphyria Cutanea Tarda or Hemochromatosis which left untreated can acclerate liver fibrosis.

Trinity