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Suggest Treatment For Low Hemoglobin Levels
Question: I have been experiencing low Hemoglobin (9-11) , HCT (35.3), RBC(4.17) and ferritin ( 12) . After ruling out internal bleeding with multiple tests I saw a hematologist who did more blood work and found that I have high iron serum ( 268) TIBC (495) and Iron Saturation (54). Next up is a bone marrow biopsy. My question is what are the possible causes of these seemingly contradictory results?
Brief Answer:
The test report can be due to anemia of chronic ds or hemochromatosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
The iron profile and ferritin values posted by you suggest an iron overload.
The level of ferritin is also expected to be high, however,, since ferritin is an acute phase reactant and is affected by various conditions, its level may vary.
The hemoglobin level is low suggesting anemia.
This picture may be of anemia of chronic disease.
Iron levels are raised in anemia of chronic disease.
A peripheral blood smear is required to know the type of anemia.
In addition, I suspect a condition called hemochromatosis.
Hemochromatosis is a chromosomal disorder wherein there is iron overload in body despite adequate or even more levels of iron in serum.
I suggest you to consult a hematologist and to get a genetic test for hemochromatosis.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
The test report can be due to anemia of chronic ds or hemochromatosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
The iron profile and ferritin values posted by you suggest an iron overload.
The level of ferritin is also expected to be high, however,, since ferritin is an acute phase reactant and is affected by various conditions, its level may vary.
The hemoglobin level is low suggesting anemia.
This picture may be of anemia of chronic disease.
Iron levels are raised in anemia of chronic disease.
A peripheral blood smear is required to know the type of anemia.
In addition, I suspect a condition called hemochromatosis.
Hemochromatosis is a chromosomal disorder wherein there is iron overload in body despite adequate or even more levels of iron in serum.
I suggest you to consult a hematologist and to get a genetic test for hemochromatosis.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Will a bone marrow biopsy help clarify the situation?
Brief Answer:
Yes you may get a bone biopsy done.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
A bone marrow biopsy will help to assess the bone marrow iron stores- whether they have increased or not.
You can get it done if your hematologist is also of same opinion.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Yes you may get a bone biopsy done.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
A bone marrow biopsy will help to assess the bone marrow iron stores- whether they have increased or not.
You can get it done if your hematologist is also of same opinion.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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