Help with test results - haemochromatosis with iron deficiency?

[tnefeh]

A few years ago I regularly had blood tests which showed high iron levels so my doc suspected Haemochromatosis. I had the genetic testing which showed I had the gene mutation. I used to get blood drawn to treat it and bring down my iron levels.

However, recently I had blood tests which showed low ferritin levels of 9 and was diagnosed with iron deficiency. I've been taking ferrous sulphate for 6 weeks and had everything retested. I'm so confused with the results. Can anyone explain to me what this means? I've marked the abnormal or borderline results in bold.

Serum ferritin - 33 ng/mL - reference range 10 - 120 - prior to iron tablets level was 9

Serum transferrin - 2.13 g/L - reference range 2.50 - 3.80

Serum iron level - 27 umol/L - reference range 10 - 25

Transferrin saturation index - 48.7 % - not sure of reference range but marked abnormal

Neutrophil count - 1.90 10*9/L - reference range 2.0 - 7.5

Monocyte count - 0.20 10*9/L - reference range 0.20 - 0.80

Basophil count - 0.00 10*9/L - reference range 0.0 - 0.10

Haemoglobin estimation - 129 g/L - reference range 115 - 165

Total white cell count - 4.1 10*9/L - reference range 4.0 - 11.0

Platelet count - 247 10*9/L - reference range 150 - 450

Red blood cell (RBC) count - 4.19 10*12/L - reference range 3.80 - 5.50

Haematocrit - 0.388 - reference range 0.37 - 0.48

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) - 92.7 fL - reference range 80 - 100

Mean corpusc. haemoglobin(MCH) - 30.8 pg - reference range 26.5 - 31.5 - this was previously always abnormally high and has lowered since taking the iron tablets

Lymphocyte count - 1.90 10*9/L - reference range 1.50 - 4.00

Eosinophil count - 0.10 10*9/L - reference range 0.04 - 0.40

Large unstained cells - 0.10 10*9/L - reference range 0.00 - 0.44

Any input, suggestions or advice would be appreciated! thank you!

[Narwhal10]

Hi tnefeh,

I am afraid I cannot, you need to discuss this with your doctor. You have got quite a complex Medical History and blood tests cannot be analysed in isolation. They build a Clinical Picture, know what medication you are prescribed and will decide what is Best Practice.

Good luck.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

tnefeh, please note that this forum may have anaemia in its title but it is actually about non-dietary vitamin B12 deficiency. I couldn't find another forum on HU that seemed more appropriate when I did a quick search - ie on haemachromatosis.

Please also note that HU is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

The interpretation and significance of blood test results can also be affected by underlying conditions.

Although many members on this forum are familiar with looking at test results in relation to specific conditions, including PA this is generally because we are very aware of the limitations of tests currently used in diagnosis and the issues with using these tests for management of the conditions they have.

We do have one member on this forum FlipperTD who worked in a testing lab and may be able to help but the advice given by Narwhal10 to talk to your doctor is probably the best advice the forum can give you.

[FlipperTD]

Hi. Scientist, not medic. I can't advise on treatment or diagnosis, but I can have a stab at interpreting results.

If you already have been found to have haemachromatosis, then your body is tuned to absorbing iron from your diet. It simply doesn't know when to stop. Your case looks complex, and I suggest that a Haematologist with an interest in haemachromatosis should be consulted. Excess iron is worse than deficiency.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

[Ghound]

Hi, My husband has haemochromatosis. This happened to him once, where he developed iron deficiency.

It was as a result of the intensive venesection ( drawing of blood ) required to treat the condition.

In his case, they just cancelled a few of his blood letting appointments until his ferritin and haemoglobin rose to normal levels again.

I'm sorry, I'm not up on blood test values, but just wanted to let you know that iron deficiency definitely can develop when being treated for haemochromatosis.

As others have said, your haematologist is the person to ask.

My husband was diagnosed 23 years ago and is doing well, so as long as you're being monitored by the doctors, there's probably no cause to worry.

Take care and all the very best xx

[Mixteca]

If you continue to struggle with GP, I can recommend a private iron & B12 specialist if you need one.