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Investigation and management of a raised serum ferritin
Author(s) -
Cullis Jonathan O.,
Fitzsimons Edward J.,
Griffiths William JH,
Tsochatzis Emmanouil,
Thomas D. Wayne
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/bjh.15166
Subject(s) - ferritin , transferrin saturation , serum ferritin , medicine , guideline , hemochromatosis , transferrin , serum iron , malignancy , iron deficiency , immunology , physiology , gastroenterology , anemia , pathology
Summary Serum ferritin level is one of the most commonly requested investigations in both primary and secondary care. Whilst low serum ferritin levels invariably indicate reduced iron stores, raised serum ferritin levels can be due to multiple different aetiologies, including iron overload, inflammation, liver or renal disease, malignancy, and the recently described metabolic syndrome. A key test in the further investigation of an unexpected raised serum ferritin is the serum transferrin saturation. This guideline reviews the investigation and management of a raised serum ferritin level. The investigation and management of genetic haemochromatosis is not dealt with however and is the subject of a separate guideline.