Serum ferritin in megaloblastic anaemia

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Clinical Biochemistry

Background:

• Megaloblastic anemia and pernicious anemia are distinct hematological conditions.
• Serum ferritin is a key indicator of iron storage in the body.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum ferritin levels in patients with untreated megaloblastic anemia and Addisonian pernicious anemia.
• To explore the relationship between serum ferritin, hemoglobin, and response to vitamin B12 therapy.

Main Methods:

• Serum ferritin concentrations were measured in 30 patients with untreated megaloblastic anemia and 27 with Addisonian pernicious anemia.
• Comparison of ferritin levels between patient groups and normal controls.
• Monitoring of ferritin levels during vitamin B12 therapy.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher mean serum ferritin levels were observed in pernicious anemia patients (330 µg/L) compared to normal controls (164 µg/L).
• An inverse correlation between serum ferritin and hemoglobin was noted in men with pernicious anemia.
• Serum ferritin levels decreased significantly within 24-48 hours of vitamin B12 therapy and continued to fall during hematological response.

Conclusions:

• Elevated serum ferritin in untreated megaloblastic anemia likely reflects a shift of iron from hemoglobin to reticuloendothelial stores.
• Serum ferritin levels dynamically change during vitamin B12 therapy, indicating iron redistribution.
• Variations in serum ferritin at a given hemoglobin level may represent individual differences in iron stores.