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Management of hyperferritinemia
Delwaide J. , Giet D. , Lamproye A. , Belaïche J.
Rev Med Liege 2006, 61(5-6),329-333Abstract : Hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in persons of northern European descent, and the majority of cases are caused by a mutation in the gene HFE. Genetic testing for hemochromatosis is therefore indicated in all patients with increases in transferrine saturation and ferritin levels. When this genetic testing does not demonstrate a hemochromatosis, other diseases responsible for elevated ferritin levels have to be ruled out, mainly hemolytic anemia, chronic inflammatory disorders, liver diseases such as hepatitis B or C, alcohol abuse, and non alcoholic fatty liver disease. In demonstrated iron overload with absence of classic causes, second-line genetic testing should be considered.
