Increases in serum iron level are associated with the following:[1, 2, 3]
Idiopathic hemochromatosis
Liver necrosis (viral hepatitis)
Hemosiderosis caused by excessive iron intake (eg, multiple transfusions, excess iron administration)
Acute iron poisoning (children)
Hemolytic anemia
Pernicious anemia
Aplastic or hypoplastic anemia
Lead poisoning
Thalassemia
Vitamin B6 deficiency
Estrogens
Ethanol
Oral contraceptive
Decreases in the serum iron level are associated with the following:[1, 2, 3]
Iron deficiency anemia
Nephrotic syndrome(loss of iron-binding proteins)
Iron deficiency
Chronic renal failure
Many infections
Active hematopoiesis
Remission of pernicious anemia
Hypothyroidism
Malignancy (carcinoma)
Postoperative state
Kwashiorkor
Table 1. Microcytic Anemias (Open Table in a new window)
|
Ferritin |
Serum Iron |
Total Iron Binding Capacity |
Iron deficiency anemia |
Low |
Low |
High |
Anemia of chronic disease |
High |
Low |
Low |
Sideroblastic anemia |
High |
High |
Normal |
Thalassemia |
Normal |
Normal |
Normal |