United Kingdom
A 25-year-old female asked:
My mum has non alcoholic fatty liver disease & just been diagnosis with type2 diabetes - her ferritin has been very high - could hemochromatosis be cause?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Charles Cattanoanswered
Gastroenterology 41 years experience
May need liverbiopsy: Although blood testing (measurement of iron studies and hfe assay) combined with family history can be very suggestive, a liver biopsy with iron staining clinches a diagnosis of hemochromatosis and distinguishes it from other iron overload diseases. Ferritin by the way can also be reactive or a secondary phenomenon.
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4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ryan Tayloranswered
Specializes in Internal Medicine
Could be: Liver disease and diabetes are common manifestations of hemochromatosis. It's important to remember that ferritin is an acute phase reactant and any inflammatory process can lead to increased values. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (nash) can lead to elevations in ferritin.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 29, 2016
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