High ferritin levels

[Doraflora]

Good evening one and all - and in advance I want to wish you all a happy new year, one that is healthier for us all.

My serum ferritin level has gone up even further and I just wondered if the PMR/Pred etc has anything to do with it?

I should add that I do have an abnormal inherited gene (a carrier of the H63 mutation) which increases iron levels anyway, but seeing as the ferritin last week was the highest it’s ever been (592 nl) I’m just wondering if the PMR has had any effect on the levels?

I’ve got a phone app with my GP next week to discuss.

I did see a haematology consultant about 3 years ago for this condition and he discharged me, but he did say to have regular testing & that if my levels exceeded 600 nl then to get re-referred to him. I was only diagnosed with PMR in March 2020 so I’m tending to blame the Pred for everything!🤣

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It could do - ferritin is another acute phase marker - a fancy way of saying a marker for the inflammatory response, similar to ESR and CRP.

[Doraflora in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMRpro. I’ll see what my GP has to say (it’s a new practice since we moved house only recently).

[HeronNS]

For others reading this thread: raised ferritin can be noted in people with PMR who appear to be iron deficient when only haemoglobin is checked, which is why ferritin should always be checked before prescribing iron supplements. I had low haemoglobin but my doctor checked ferritin before suggesting iron supplement (my ferritin was practically non-existent btw) which is why at the time I was curious and looked it up. It's called the anaemia of inflammation or chronic disease.

Doraflora I hope you get to the bottom of your current issue soon.

[Doraflora]

Thanks heronNS. I was diagnosed with being a carrier of this abnormal gene way before my diagnosis of PMR and thus I’ve had to have bi-annual checks on the ferritin level ever since. It’s just a pain that it’s higher now than ever before, but hopefully it’ll soon be sorted & I may get re-referred back to the Haemo. Consultant.

There’s always something, isn’t there? But I’m so very lucky compared to a lot of people on this forum, so I mustn’t grumble 🤣