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Forum Name: Hematology Topics

Question: High ferritin, low hemoglobin-Contradiction?

jclay27 - Fri Dec 29, 2006 8:42 pm

Hello, I am a 31 year old male w/ absolutely no past health problems whatsoever. I have never smoked, drank alcohol, or done drugs. Recently, I saw my general physician, complaining of blood in my urine, frequent Headaches, lack of energy, and relatively rapid weight loss (25 pounds in 4 months--w/o exercizing at all). She gave me Ciprofloxacin for the bloody urine, which cleared it up in about 7 days. She took several blood tests and results recently came back. She told me that I definitely have Anemia, BUT THAT MY FERRITIN LEVEL WAS HIGH WHILE MY Hemoglobin LEVEL WAS LOW. This seems like a contradiction to me, considering the little internet research I have done thus far. Do I have hemochromatosis? Please help. Awaiting someone's reply. -Jeremy C.

Dr. Safaa Mahmoud - Fri Dec 29, 2006 9:50 pm

Hello, It would be very useful if you can inform us the detailed results of all the tests that have been done including: CBC Urine analysis Liver functions Bleeding tendency etc. Ferritin is iron binding protein and represents iron stored in the body Ferritin is found in the liver, spleen, skeletal muscles, bone marrow and at low level in the blood. A ferritin blood test is requested to investigate certain conditions like: •The cause of Anemia. •Diagnose hemochromatosis . •Check for the efficacy of iron therapy Any inflammatory disorder may result in high ferritin level. These include: Hemochromatosis Hemolytic Anemia Hodgkin's Lymphoma Megaloblastic Anemia Having low HB level is expected after the hematuria. It it very important to understand the cause of the hematuria, since hemolytic Anemia should be excluded. Keep us updated. Best regards.

Dr. Chan Lowe - Fri Dec 29, 2006 10:40 pm

Also, was your ferritin level checked while you were experiencing your ill symptoms? Did your doctor determine the cause for the symptoms? Ferritin is an acute phase reactant, meaning that in the setting of inflammation or illness, it goes up. It's best to have your ferritin level checked again while you are well.

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