Comparison of serum ferritin, iron and transferrin levels in a large group of patients

Abstract

Serum levels of ferritin, iron and transferrin were measured in 1000 consecutive patients whose serum was sent for assessment of iron status. An attempt was made to determine the relative usefulness of the different investigations. Characteristic profiles were seen in normals, latent iron deficiency, established iron deficiency, increased erythryopoiesis, decreased erythropoiesis, iron overload and chronic and malignant disease. In general, ferritin was found to be the best indicator of iron stores but iron and transferrin often helped distinguish between the different groups. However, there are several cases where serum ferritin does not reflect iron stores and these will be discussed. In summary, a low or normal serum ferritin reflects body iron stores. However, a raised ferritin can be caused by disorders other than iron overload and in these cases iron and transferrin levels should be performed. Serum levels of ferritin, iron and transferrin were measured in 1000 consecutive patients whose serum was sent for assessment of iron status. An attempt was made to determine the relative usefulness of the different investigations. Characteristic profiles were seen in normals, latent iron deficiency, established iron deficiency, increased erythryopoiesis, decreased erythropoiesis, iron overload and chronic and malignant disease. In general, ferritin was found to be the best indicator of iron stores but iron and transferrin often helped distinguish between the different groups. However, there are several cases where serum ferritin does not reflect iron stores and these will be discussed. In summary, a low or normal serum ferritin reflects body iron stores. However, a raised ferritin can be caused by disorders other than iron overload and in these cases iron and transferrin levels should be performed.