Diagnosis of hyperferritinemia in routine clinical practice

A retrospective analysis of the use of electronic consultation in general internal medicine

BACKGROUND

General internists in Canada are subspecialty providers in the inpatient and outpatient settings. Electronic consultations (eConsult) allow primary care providers (PCPs) to virtually consult specialists to address clinical questions. There is a paucity of literature examining the utility and benefits of eConsults by general internists.

AIMS

To determine how an eConsult service is used to access general internists.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of internal medicine cases was completed between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2019 via the ChamplainBASE eConsult service. Two authors derived and validated a general internal medicine (GIM)-specific taxonomy using the validated: (i) Taxonomy of Generic Clinical Questions; and (ii) Internal Classification for Primary Care. Two hundred seventy-six cases were coded following taxonomy validation. ChamplainBASE utilisation summary and closeout survey data were also analysed.

RESULTS

eConsults were responded to in a median of 3.1 days and took 15 min to complete. The eConsult's helpfulness and educational value were rated as 4 to 5/5 and often provided advice for a new or additional course of action. In-person referral was avoided in 40% of cases. The majority of eConsults consisted of a single question (88%) related to diagnostic clarification. The median remuneration per eConsult was $50.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of eConsults to general internists sought diagnostic clarification and confirmed the view of general internists as expert diagnosticians. eConsults cost less than an in-person consultation and were viewed favourably by PCPs. Further research can consider the eConsult provider experience and whether eConsults should become a required part of GIM ambulatory practice.

A form of inherited hyperferritinemia associated with bi-allelic pathogenic variants of STAB1

Hyperferritinemia is a frequent finding in several conditions, both genetic and acquired. We previously studied eleven healthy subjects from eight different families presenting with unexplained hyperferritinemia. Their findings suggested the existence of an autosomal-recessive disorder. We carried out whole-exome sequencing to detect the genetic cause of hyperferritinemia. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry assays were performed on liver biopsies and monocyte-macrophages to confirm the pathogenic role of the identified candidate variants. Through a combined approach of whole-exome sequencing and homozygosity mapping, we found bi-allelic STAB1 variants in ten subjects from seven families. STAB1 encodes the multifunctional scavenger receptor stabilin-1. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analyses showed absent or markedly reduced stabilin-1 in liver samples, monocytes, and monocyte-derived macrophages. Our findings show a strong association between otherwise unexplained hyperferritinemia and bi-allelic STAB1 mutations suggesting the existence of another genetic cause of hyperferritinemia without iron overload and an unexpected function of stabilin-1 in ferritin metabolism.

Impact of Intravenous Iron Substitution on Serum Phosphate Levels and Bone Turnover Markers-An Open-Label Pilot Study

The association between intravenous iron substitution therapy and hypophosphatemia was previously reported in patients with iron deficiency anemia. However, the extent of hypophosphatemia is thought to depend on the type of iron supplementation. We hypothesized that the intravenous application of ferric carboxymaltose and iron sucrose leads to a different longitudinal adaptation in serum phosphate levels. In this open-label pilot study, a total of 20 patients with inflammatory bowel diseases or iron deficiency anemia were randomly assigned to one of two study groups (group 1: ferric carboxymaltose, n = 10; group 2: iron sucrose, n = 10). Serum values were controlled before iron substitution therapy, as well as 2, 4, and 12 weeks after the last drug administration. The primary objective of the study was the longitudinal evaluation of serum phosphate levels after iron substitution therapy with ferric carboxymaltose and iron sucrose. The secondary objective was the longitudinal investigation of calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), intact parathyroid hormone, procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP), beta-CrossLaps (CTX), hemoglobin (Hb), iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation levels. Two weeks after drug administration, phosphate levels were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in group 1 and ferritin levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in group 1. Phosphate levels (0.8-1.45 mmol/L) were below the therapeutic threshold and ferritin levels (10-200 ng/mL for women and 30-300 ng/mL for men) were above the therapeutic threshold in group 1. P1NP (15-59 µg/L) and CTX (<0.57 ng/mL) levels were above the therapeutic threshold in group 2. Four weeks after drug administration, significant differences were still observed between both study groups for phosphate (p = 0.043) and ferritin (p = 0.0009). All serum values except for Hb were within the therapeutic thresholds. Twelve weeks after drug administration, no differences were observed in all serum values between both study groups. Hb values were within the therapeutic threshold in both study groups. Serum 25(OH)D levels did not differ between both study groups throughout the whole study period and remained within the therapeutic threshold.

Hereditary hemochromatosis: An update vision of the laboratory diagnosis

Haemochromatosis (HC) is an inherited disorder of iron metabolism. The 85-90% of Hereditary hemochromatosis cases are caused by mutations in HFE gene (HC type 1). The remaining 10-15% of HC cases are caused by mutations in other non-HFE genes (HJV, HAMP, TRF2, SLC40A1, BMP6). The study of patients for the diagnosis of HC has an important laboratory approached: analysis of biochemical parameters and genetic studies. To confirm a case, it is necessary to carry out a genetic study of the C282Y and H63D mutations. The presence of C282Y mutation in homozygosis is compatible with the diagnosis of HC type 1. Due to the incomplete penetrance of this mutation and the variable phenotypic expression, the severe forms of the disease are relatively rare. The study of variants in non-HFE genes allows more detailed study of both non-classic HC cases and those with more severe clinical expression. The genotype characterization of a patient not always justified the phenotype expression of the symptoms in this disease. All laboratory clinicians must consider recommendation provide by the experts in the Materia.

Hereditary Hyperferritinemia

Ferritin is a ubiquitous protein that is present in most tissues as a cytosolic protein. The major and common role of ferritin is to bind Fe²⁺, oxidize it and sequester it in a safe form in the cell, and to release iron according to cellular needs. Ferritin is also present at a considerably low proportion in normal mammalian sera and is relatively iron poor compared to tissues. Serum ferritin might provide a useful and convenient method of assessing the status of iron storage, and its measurement has become a routine laboratory test. However, many additional factors, including inflammation, infection, metabolic abnormalities, and malignancy-all of which may elevate serum ferritin-complicate interpretation of this value. Despite this long history of clinical use, fundamental aspects of the biology of serum ferritin are still unclear. According to the high number of factors involved in regulation of ferritin synthesis, secretion, and uptake, and in its central role in iron metabolism, hyperferritinemia is a relatively common finding in clinical practice and is found in a large spectrum of conditions, both genetic and acquired, associated or not with iron overload. The diagnostic strategy to reveal the cause of hyperferritinemia includes family and personal medical history, biochemical and genetic tests, and evaluation of liver iron by direct or indirect methods. This review is focused on the forms of inherited hyperferritinemia with or without iron overload presenting with normal transferrin saturation, as well as a step-by-step approach to distinguish these forms to the acquired forms, common and rare, of isolated hyperferritinemia.

Dysmetabolic Iron Overload Syndrome: Going beyond the Traditional Risk Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome

Dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome (DIOS) corresponds to the increase in iron stores associated with components of metabolic syndrome (MtS) and in the absence of an identifiable cause of iron excess. The objective of this work was to review the main aspects of DIOS. PUBMED and EMBASE were consulted, and PRISMA guidelines were followed. DIOS is usually asymptomatic and can be diagnosed by investigating MtS and steatosis. About 50% of the patients present altered hepatic biochemical tests (increased levels of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase itself or associated with increased levels of alanine aminotransferase). The liver may present parenchymal and mesenchymal iron overload, but the excess of iron is commonly mild. Steatosis or steatohepatitis is observed in half of the patients. Fibrosis is observed in about 15% of patients. Hyperferritinemia may damage the myocardium, liver, and several other tissues, increasing morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, DIOS is closely related to oxidative stress, which is closely associated with several pathological conditions such as inflammatory diseases, hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, and cancer. DIOS is becoming a relevant finding in the general population and can be associated with high morbidity/mortality. For these reasons, investigation of this condition could be an additional requirement for the early prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Prognostic Value of Serum Transferrin Analysis in Patients with Ovarian Cancer and Cancer-Related Functional Iron Deficiency: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

(1) Background: There are no reliable and widely available markers of functional iron deficiency (FID) in cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of transferrin (Tf) as a marker of cancer of the ovary (CrO) and related FID. (2) Methods: The study groups consisted of 118 patients with CrO and 69 control females. Blood serum iron status was determined on a Beckman Coulter AU (USA) analyzer. Tf quantification was performed by immunoturbidimetry. The relative contents of apo- and holo-Tf (iron-free and iron-saturated Tf, respectively) were determined in eight patients and a control female by immunochromatographic analysis based on the use of monoclonal single-domain antibodies (nanobodies). (3) Results: Four groups of patients with different iron statuses were selected according to ferritin and transferrin saturation values: absolute iron deficiency (AID) (n = 42), FID (n = 70), iron overload (n = 4), normal iron status (n = 2). The groups differed significantly in Tf values (p < 0.0001). Lower values of Tf were associated with FID. Furthermore, FID is already found in the initial stages of CrO (26%). Immunosorbents based on nanobodies revealed the accumulation of apo-Tf and the decrease in holo-Tf in patients with CrO. (4) Conclusions: Tf may be a promising tool for diagnosing both CrO and associated FID.

Transferrin saturation as a surrogate marker for assessment of labile nontransferrin bound iron in chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Increased transferrin saturation (TS) and ferritin are common in hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) but also in chronic liver diseases (CLD). Nontransferrin bound iron (NTBI) is believed to be associated with iron-induced cell damage. We aimed to evaluate NTBI in CLD and their relationship with liver damage.

METHODS

Two groups of patients were studied. Group 1 (G1): 94 CLD patients from an Outpatient Hepatology Unit. Group 2 (G2): 36 healthy individuals form a Medical Checkup Clinic. Transferrin iron-binding capacity, TS, ferritin, AST, ALT, and red cell count were performed using standard tests. NTBI was assessed as enhanced labile plasma iron (eLPi). Levels of eLPi less than 0.4 µmol/l were considered within the normal range.

RESULTS

Prevalence of increased iron tests (elevated TS and ferritin) was 14% in G1 and 5.5% in G2 ( P = 0.19). Positive NTBI was found in 12 patients (11 in G1 and 1 in G2). Positivity to NTBI was associated with increased iron tests ( P = 0.03), cirrhosis ( P = 0.03) and AST index (ASTI) ( P = 0.03). NTBI was associated with TS of more than 70% ( P = 0.002) but not to elevated ferritin ( P = 0.74). Variables strongly associated with a positive NTBI in univariate analysis (TS > 70%, cirrhosis and ASTI) were submitted to binary regression analysis. TS of more than 70% was the only independent predictive factor ( P = 0.049; odds ratio, 6.8).

CONCLUSION

NTBI was associated with TS in CLD, but not with ferritin. NTBI testing could be useful for CLD patients with increased iron tests. Alternatively, a TS of more than 70% can be used as a surrogate marker.

Extreme Hyperferritinemia: Causes and Prognosis

The significance of extreme hyperferritinemia and its association with certain diagnoses and prognoses are not well characterized. We performed a retrospective analysis of adult patients with at least one total serum ferritin (TSF) measurement ≥ 5000 µg/L over 2 years, in three university hospitals. Conditions associated with hyperferritinemia were collected, and patients were classified into 10 etiological groups. Intensive care unit (ICU) transfer and mortality rates were recorded. A total of 495 patients were identified, of which 56% had a TSF level between 5000 and 10,000 µg/L. There were multiple underlying causes in 81% of the patients. The most common causes were infections (38%), hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH, 18%), and acute hepatitis (14%). For TSF levels > 10,000 µg/L, there were no solid cancer or hematological malignancy without another cause of hyperferritinemia. Isolated iron-overload syndromes never exceeded TSF levels > 15,000 µg/L. Extreme hyperferritinemia (TSF levels > 25,000 µg/L) was associated with only four causes: HLH, infections, acute hepatitis and cytokine release syndromes. A total of 32% of patients were transferred to an ICU, and 28% died. Both ICU transfer rate and mortality were statistically associated with ferritin levels. An optimized threshold of 13,405 μg/L was the best predictor for the diagnosis of HLH, with a sensitivity of 76.4% and a specificity of 79.3%. Hyperferritinemia reflects a variety of conditions, but only four causes are associated with extreme hyperferritinemia, in which HLH and acute hepatitis are the most common. Extreme hyperferritinemia has a poor prognosis with increased mortality.

Non-invasive methods for iron overload evaluation in dysmetabolic patients

INTRODUCTION

Although hyperferritinemia may reflect the inflammatory status of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), approximately 33% of hyperferritinemia cases reflect real hepatic iron overload.

AIM

To evaluate a non-invasive method for assessing mild iron overload in patients with NAFLD using 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relaxometry, serum hepcidin, and the expression of ferritin subunits.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study assessed patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. MRI relaxometry was performed using a 3T scanner in all patients, and the results were compared with iron content determined by liver biopsy. Ferritin, hepcidin, and ferritin subunits were assessed and classified according to ferritin levels and to siderosis identified by liver biopsy.

RESULTS

A total of 67 patients with NAFLD were included in the study. MRI revealed mild iron overload in all patients (sensitivity, 73.5%; specificity, 70%). For mild (grade 1) siderosis, the transverse relaxation rate (R₂*) threshold was 58.9 s^-1 and the mean value was 72.5 s^-1 (SD, 33.9), while for grades 2/3 it was 88.2 s^-1 (SD, 31.9) (p < 0.001). The hepcidin threshold for siderosis was > 30.2 ng/mL (sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 82%). Ferritin H and ferritin L subunits were expressed similarly in patients with NAFLD, regardless of siderosis. There were no significant differences in laboratory test results between the groups, including glucose parameters and liver function tests.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI relaxometry and serum hepcidin accurately assessed mild iron overload in patients with dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome.

Hyperferritinemia-A Clinical Overview

Ferritin is one of the most frequently requested laboratory tests in primary and secondary care, and levels often deviate from reference ranges. Serving as an indirect marker for total body iron stores, low ferritin is highly specific for iron deficiency. Hyperferritinemia is, however, a non-specific finding, which is frequently overlooked in general practice. In routine medical practice, only 10% of cases are related to an iron overload, whilst the rest is seen as a result of acute phase reactions and reactive increases in ferritin due to underlying conditions. Differentiation of the presence or absence of an associated iron overload upon hyperferritinemia is essential, although often proves to be complex. In this review, we have performed a review of a selection of the literature based on the authors’ own experiences and assessments in accordance with international recommendations and guidelines. We address the biology, etiology, and epidemiology of hyperferritinemia. Finally, an algorithm for the diagnostic workup and management of hyperferritinemia is proposed, and general principles regarding the treatment of iron overload are discussed.

Narrative Review of Hyperferritinemia, Iron Deficiency, and the Challenges of Managing Anemia in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians With CKD

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians (Indigenous Australians) suffer some of the highest rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the world. Among Indigenous Australians in remote areas of the Northern Territory, prevalence rates for renal replacement therapy (RRT) are up to 30 times higher than national prevalence. Anemia among patients with CKD is a common complication. Iron deficiency is one of the major causes. Iron deficiency is also one of the key causes of poor response to the mainstay of anemia therapy with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). Therefore, the effective management of anemia in people with CKD is largely dependent on effective identification and correction of iron deficiency. The current identification of iron deficiency in routine clinical practice is dependent on 2 surrogate markers of iron status: serum ferritin concentration and transferrin saturation (TSAT). However, questions exist regarding the use of serum ferritin concentration in people with CKD because it is an acute-phase reactant that can be raised in the context of acute and chronic inflammation. Serum ferritin concentration among Indigenous Australians receiving RRT is often markedly elevated and falls outside reference ranges within most national and international guidelines for iron therapy for people with CKD. This review explores published data on the challenges of managing anemia in Indigenous people with CKD and the need for future research on the efficacy and safety of treatment of anemia of CKD in patients with high ferritin and evidence iron deficiency.

Utility of a Simple Scoring System in Differentiating Bacterial Infections in Cases of Fever of Unknown Origin

BACKGROUND

Infectious disease is the leading cause of fever of unknown origin (FUO). Serum inflammatory markers historically used to diagnose bacterial infection have sufficient diagnostic sensitivity but low specificity. This study aimed to develop a simple scoring system for differentiating bacterial infections from other causes of early-stage FUO.

METHODS

This study included a retrospective cohort of patients presenting with FUO at the Huashan Hospital (January 2014 to June 2017). The diagnostic utility of serum inflammatory markers for bacterial infection was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Relevant markers were subsequently measured prospectively in a separate cohort of FUO patients (December 2017 to May 2019). A scoring system was based on inflammatory markers and other test results.

RESULTS

Bacterial infection was identified in 34% of patients in the retrospective cohort. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.644 (95% confidence interval [CI], .595-.693) for C-reactive protein, 0.624 (95% CI, .573-.675) for procalcitonin, and 0.646 (95% CI, .595-.697) for serum ferritin (SF) in diagnosing bacterial infection. Bacterial infection was found in 29% of cases in the prospective cohort. A model based on serum amyloid A (SAA) and SF levels and neutrophil percentage yielded an AUC of 0.775 (95% CI, .695-.854). Validation analysis indicated lower probability (<15%) of bacterial infection for patients with a score <16.5 points.

CONCLUSIONS

A scoring system based on SAA and SF levels and neutrophil percentage can help distinguish bacterial infection from other causes of FUO, potentially reducing antibiotic use.

Hereditary hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome in three Czech families: molecular genetic testing and clinical implications

BACKGROUND

Hereditary hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome (HHCS) is an autosomal dominant disorder manifesting with high serum ferritin levels and the formation of early-onset cataracts, with numerous small opacities, predominantly in the lens cortex. HHCS is caused by mutations in the iron-responsive element of the FTL gene. The aim of this study was to establish a molecular diagnosis in three Czech probands with suspected HHCS.

METHODS

A complex ocular and systemic evaluation, including ferritin and iron measurements, was performed. The 5' untranslated region of FTL was directly sequenced in all available family members, followed by paternity testing in one family.

RESULTS

Three different FLT pathogenic variants (c.-161C>T, c.-167C>T, and c.-168G>C) present in the heterozygous state were detected in each of the 3 probands. Two segregated with the disease phenotype within the families, but c.-167C>T occurred de novo (confirmed by paternity testing). Prior to establishing molecular diagnosis, two probands were misdiagnosed with hemochromatosis. One individual, aged 43 years, underwent phlebotomy; another, aged 8.5 years, was treated with the iron chelator deferasirox, leading to life-threatening acute hyperammonemia, without severe liver injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of family history does not exclude HHCS, because the pathogenic variant can arise de novo. Noncoding regions are often omitted from diagnostic gene panels, thus evading detection. Careful clinical evaluations and targeted genetic screening are important for avoiding potentially harmful treatments.

Iron in the General Population and Specificities in Older Adults: Metabolism, Causes and Consequences of Decrease or Overload, and Biological Assessment

Iron is involved in many types of metabolism, including oxygen transport in hemoglobin. Iron deficiency (ID), ie a decrease in circulating iron, can have severe consequences. We provide an update on iron metabolism and ID, highlighting the particularities in older adults (OAs). There are three iron compartments in the human body: 1) the functional compartment, which consists of heme proteins including hemoglobin, myoglobin and respiratory enzymes; 2) iron reserves (IR), which consist mainly of liver stocks and are stored as ferritin; and 3) transferrin. There are two types of ID. Absolute ID is characterized by a decrease in IR. Its main pathophysiological mechanism is bleeding, which is often digestive and can be due to neoplasia, frequent in OAs. Biological assessment shows low serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TS) levels. Furthermore, hypochromic microcytic anemia is frequent, and the serum-soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) level is high. Functional ID, in which IR are high or normal, is due to inflammation, which is also frequent in OAs, particularly in its chronic form. Biological assessments show high serum ferritin, normal or low TS, and normal sTfR levels. Moreover, C-reactive protein is elevated, and there is moderate non-regenerative non-macrocytic anemia. The main characteristics of iron metabolism anomalies in the elderly are the high frequency of ID (20% of ID with anemia in adults ≥85 years) and the severity of its consequences, which include cognitive impairment in case of ID or iron overload and decrease of physical activity in case of ID. In conclusion, causes of ID are frequently intertwined in OAs as a result of the polymorbidity that characterizes them. ID can have dramatic consequences, especially in frail OAs. Thus, measuring the appropriate biological markers prevents errors in the positive diagnosis of ID type, clarifies etiology, and informs treatment-related decision-making.

Hyperferritinaemia: An Iron Sword of Autoimmunity

BACKGROUND

Ferritin is a molecule that plays many roles being the storage for iron, signalling molecule, and modulator of the immune response.

METHODS

Different electronic databases were searched in a non-systematic way to find out the literature of interest.

RESULTS

The level of ferritin rises in many inflammatory conditions including autoimmune disorders. However, in four inflammatory diseases (i.e., adult-onset Still's diseases, macrophage activation syndrome, catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome, and sepsis), high levels of ferritin are observed suggesting it as a remarkable biomarker and pathological involvement in these diseases. Acting as an acute phase reactant, ferritin is also involved in the cytokine-associated modulator of the immune response as well as a regulator of cytokine synthesis and release which are responsible for the inflammatory storm.

CONCLUSION

This review article presents updated information on the role of ferritin in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases with an emphasis on hyperferritinaemic syndrome.

HFE-Related Hemochromatosis in a Chinese Patient: The First Reported Case

HFE-related Hemochromatosis is the most common genetic iron overload disease in European populations, particularly of Nordic or Celtic ancestry. It is reported that the HFE p.C282Y mutation is present in 1/10 people of northern European descent, resulting in one in two hundred people will be homozygous. However, the HFE p.C282Y heterozygosity is virtually absent among East Asians, including Japanese, Koreans, and Chinese. In this article, we report a case of HFE-related hemochromatosis caused by compound heterozygosity HFE p.C282Y/p.R71X. This is the first report of hemochromatosis associated with HFE p.C282Y mutation in China.

Association of Metabolic Syndrome and Hyperferritinemia in Patients at Cardiovascular Risk

AIM

To evaluate the association between parameters of hyperferritinemia (HF) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients at cardiovascular risk.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a cross-sectional analytical observational study that included 269 patients who attended a cardiology unit. Biochemical and anthropometric parameters were evaluated to identify the presence of HF and MS. The presence of MS was evaluated according to NCEP ATP III. Biochemical parameters (glycemia, triglycerides, HDL-c) were assessed according to the manufacturer's protocols. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure measurements were made by a trained professional. The chi-square (X ²) test, odds ratio, normality distribution (verified by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test), and Levene's test were used to analyze the variables. To evaluate the effect of MS, HF, and the interaction between MS and HF, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed based on the homogeneity of the variances, followed by Bonferroni's post hoc comparisons. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between quantitative variables. A multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the effect of covariables. A logistic regression model was built to analyze the variables that contribute significantly to predict the outcome (HF) using the backward method.

RESULTS

Our results showed that 57% of men and 49.5% of women presented with MS; 44% of men and 11% of women presented with HF. The presence of MS and hypertriglyceridemia increase the probability of having HF by up to 2.1 and 1.88 times, respectively, while for male sex it is increased by 6.2 times. Patients with HF have higher values of C-reactive protein, ferritin, and transferrin saturation, regardless of the presence of MS. The linear regression analysis model indicated that the variables considered in this study explain less than 30% of the variation in ferritin and that the presence of MS in men is responsible for 22% of the variation in the probability of the occurrence of HF.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that hyperferritinemia is closely associated with the components of MS (positive correlation with glycemia, triglycerides levels, blood pressure, and waist circumference, and negative correlation with HDL-c values) in the studied population.

Association between serum ferritin and the severity of drug eruptions

Background

Early recognition and treatment for severe drug eruption are important in improving clinical outcomes. A few studies have reported laboratory parameters to evaluate the severity of drug eruptions. This study aimed to determine the association between serum ferritin and the severity of drug eruptions.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with drug eruptions in our hospital from 2013 to 2018.

Results

We identified 85 patients (mean age 53.4 years), 20 in the severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCADRs) group and 65 in the non‐SCADRs group. Serum ferritin level was higher in the SCADRs group compared with that in the CADRs group (P<.001). Serum ferritin was positively associated with peripheral white blood cell count, aspartate aminotransferase level, alanine aminotransferase level, blood glucose level, blood creatinine level, and body temperature. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed a good diagnostic value of ferritin (area under the curve [AUC]:0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.78‐0.96) with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 87.7% at a cutoff value of 416.15 ng/mL.

Conclusions

Serum ferritin is significantly associated with the severity of CADRs and hence might be potentially used to evaluate the severity of CADRs.

Risk of iron overload with chronic indiscriminate use of intravenous iron products in ESRD and IBD populations

The routine use of recombinant erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) over the past three decades has enabled the partial correction of anaemia in most patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Since ESA use frequently leads to iron deficiency, almost all ESA-treated haemodialysis patients worldwide receive intravenous iron (IV) to ensure sufficient available iron during ESA therapy. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are also often treated with IV iron preparations, as anaemia is common in IBD. Over the past few years, liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the gold standard method for non-invasive diagnosis and follow-up of iron overload diseases. Studies using MRI to quantify liver iron concentration in ESRD have shown a link between high infused iron dose and risk of haemosiderosis in dialysis patients. In September 2017, the Pharmacovigilance Committee (PRAC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) considered convergent publications over the last few years on iatrogenic haemosiderosis in dialysis patients and requested that companies holding marketing authorization for iron products should investigate the risk of iron overload, particularly in patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis and, by analogy, patients with IBD. We present a narrative review of data supporting the views and decision of the EMA, and then give our expert opinion on this controversial field of anaemia therapeutics.

Serum iron, Magnesium, Copper, and Manganese Levels in Alcoholism: A Systematic Review

The aim of this paper was to review recent literature (from 2000 onwards) and summarize the newest findings on fluctuations in the concentration of some essential macro- and microelements in those patients with a history of chronic alcohol abuse. The focus was mainly on four elements which the authors found of particular interest: Iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese. After independently reviewing over 50 articles, the results were consistent with regard to iron and magnesium. On the other hand, data were limited, and in some cases contradictory, as far as copper and manganese were concerned. Iron overload and magnesium deficiency are two common results of an excessive and prolonged consumption of alcohol. An increase in the levels of iron can be seen both in the serum and within the cells, hepatocytes in particular. This is due to a number of factors: Increased ferritin levels, lower hepcidin levels, as well as some fluctuations in the concentration of the TfR receptor for transferrin, among others. Hypomagnesemia is universally observed among those suffering from alcoholism. Again, the causes for this are numerous and include malnutrition, drug abuse, respiratory alkalosis, and gastrointestinal problems, apart from the direct influence of excessive alcohol intake. Unfortunately, studies regarding the levels of both copper and manganese in the case of (alcoholic) liver disease are scarce and often contradictory. Still, the authors have attempted to summarize and give a thorough insight into the literature available, bearing in mind the difficulties involved in the studies. Frequent comorbidities and mutual relationships between the elements in question are just some of the complications in the study of this topic.

A retrospective series of conditions and mortality associated with extreme hyperferritinaemia in adults

BACKGROUND

Serum ferritin is commonly used in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia. However, extreme hyperferritinaemia suggests a significant illness, including the differential diagnosis of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), which is rare and associated with a high mortality, particularly if untreated. This series aims to identify the causes and associated mortality of severe hyperferritinaemia in patients seen at a teaching hospital in London, UK.

METHOD

Demographic and medical data were collected for all patients over 18 years of age with extreme hyperferritinaemia (defined as serum ferritin levels of ≥4000 mcg/L). Conditions associated with hyperferritinaemia and in-hospital mortality were identified from medical records, laboratory data and discharge and death notification.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-five cases of extreme hyperferritinaemia in adults were identified. Associated conditions included iron overload (35%), malignancy (24%), infectious disease (21%) and hepatocellular disease (12%). Autoimmune disease and HLH resulted in significantly higher median peak ferritin levels compared with all cases (10 616 mcg/L, P < .01 and 19 138 mcg/L, P < .05, respectively). Patients with confirmed HLH had the highest median peak ferritin. Uncommon infections were identified in this series, and included such as dengue, syphilis, HIV and murine typhus. HLH had been confirmed in seven patients (5%). In five patients (3%) no clear cause for raised ferritin was identified. Overall mortality in the whole cohort was 14% (n = 22), but there was a very high mortality of 80% in the group where no cause was found for the hyperferritinaemia, and these patients were significantly more likely to die during the index admission (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Extreme hyperferritinaemia is associated with a broad differential diagnosis of significant medical conditions, including iron overload, infections, cancer and liver disease. Rare infectious causes were also identified, and this series reports a greater proportion of cases of HLH than has previously reported. Unexplained hyperferritinaemia was associated with significant mortality.