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Old Sun Apr 12, 2009, 06:53 PM
Chris-A Chris-A is offline
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 5
Ferritin and Transfusions (and a bit on epogen)

Hi all,
I'm new to the site/forum but just reading through all the threads in this Forum has been very enlightening! I hope you don't mind my novice question and would certainly appreciate any thoughts & answers. :-)

I have a family member who just had a few iron infusions, preceded by 3 transfusions over the last 3 months. He is anemic, but after his last RBC transfusion in Feb, Hb was between 10-11 (Hb was 7.9 or so in January). Again his ferritin was a bit low in January, but low-normal all last year. Anyway they gave him Fe infusions and now his ferritin is 715. Oh, he is also a heart patient. I don't think the Fe was really the problem because he has been anemic even when Ferritin is normal, but with a few diff specialists in the mix it was suggested.

(Q1) I see everyone talking about pretty high Ferritin levels when speaking of overload. But I'm wondering if it is possible to start have iron overlaod even under 1000. My family member seems to be symptomatic (color change, some short of breath, ab pain) so I'm wondering how do we figure out if there could be Fe overload damage.

(Q2) If more blood transfusions are needed (i.e. I guess they want to do it if Hb is less than 9), then is it wise to start some of the chelations methods (i've read about here) at the same time so the ferritin doesn't continue to rise? If I got this, it seems Desferal is safer for the kidneys than Exjade?

(Q3) Do any of you also have experience with administration of "Epo" or Epogen? I think the doctor suggested trying that before more RBC transfusions. THis is a bit new to me, but I think I saw someone else mention it on a thread. Does ferritin need to be as closely monitored if dealing with Epo versus RBC transfusions?
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