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What Causes High Ferritin Levels?
Question: Hi, I have G6PD and my ferritin has been 800, 640 and now 600 in the last 6 months. I also have alpha thalassemia minor. We have done tons of test to see why ferritin is a bit elevated. Any ideas? Could I be having slight hemolysis and ferritin is leaking out? Also will my organs be ok with low sustained number?
Brief Answer:
Because of hemolysis
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
It is true that, because of g6pd deficiency and alpha thalassemia minor, red cells can break easily. This is obviously not so severe as to cause drop in hemoglobin in you. But this certainly leads to increased iron turnover and increased iron absorption in the body.
This is manifested by elevated ferritin which signifies increased body iron stores.
As the level is always below 1000, there is nothing much to worry and no organ damage is expected. I agree with your hematologist here.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Because of hemolysis
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
It is true that, because of g6pd deficiency and alpha thalassemia minor, red cells can break easily. This is obviously not so severe as to cause drop in hemoglobin in you. But this certainly leads to increased iron turnover and increased iron absorption in the body.
This is manifested by elevated ferritin which signifies increased body iron stores.
As the level is always below 1000, there is nothing much to worry and no organ damage is expected. I agree with your hematologist here.
Hope this helps.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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