SERUM FERRITIN IN BETA-THALASSEMIA TRAIT

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 14  (11) , 1127-1131
Abstract
The diagnostic value of serum ferritin measurements in discriminating Fe-defiency anemia from thalassemia trait was studied [in humans]. In contrast to serum Fe, percent transferrin saturation and total Fe-binding capacity, where a high degree of overlap existed between the 2 groups, a clear-cut difference in serum ferritin levels was found between Fe deficiency and thalassemia trait. The best separation of Fe deficiency, thalassemia and normal controls was given by the combination of mean corpuscular volume and serum ferritin. Although definitive diagnosis of .beta.-thalassemia trait requires the demonstration of abnormal Hb A2 levels or .beta.-chain synthesis, serum ferritin is a useful screening test for the initial diagnosis of thalassemia trait. Because of the very small amounts of serum required for the measurement of ferritin, it is particularly suitable for surveying populations with a high prevalence of hypochromic-microcytic anemias.

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