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[Elevated serum ferritin and hemochromatosis in general practice]
Gunnar Mouland1, Bjørn Bratland, Magn-Bjørn Hornnes
1Legegruppen Grandgården, 4841 Arendal. gunnar.mouland@hnsor.no
Background:
We wanted to examine how many of our patients with elevated serum ferritin had undetected haemochromatosis.
Material And Methods:
Searches in our patient files showed that 519 persons aged 20-70 had tested positively for elevated serum ferritin over the five-year period 1996-2000. 379 of these (73%) were found suitable for follow up and were offered examination for serum ferritin and transferrin saturation. 291 of these (77%) came in. Patients with elevated transferrin saturation had a gene test for haemochromatosis.
Results:
23 of the 291 persons with elevated serum ferritin also had elevated transferrin saturation (8%). 12 out of 23 (52%) were homozygote for the haemochromatosis mutation C282Y.
Interpretation:
In our opinion, persons with elevated serum ferritin should be offered a control of serum ferritin and transferrin saturation. If both these tests show elevated levels, a gene test for haemochromatosis should be performed. Persons who are homozygote for the haemochromatosis mutation should have a follow up with testing of serum ferritin with some years' intervals in order to secure that venesection is started in due time.
