High iron serum, low ferritin in 15-month old toddler
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hello,
My son was diagnosed as anemic at his 1-year check-up. I believe his hemoglobin was 7. I started him on a multivitamin with iron (polyvisol) and we did a complete blood test at 15months. His iron serum was really high (183) and hemoglobin was at 10.2 which was higher. Serum ferritin was at 7 which is low. I saw a hemotologist and they suggested I start him on pure iron drops (3 times the amount of the recommended dose on the box). I asked the doctor why his serum iron was so high and if we should worry about that. He basically didn't address that number at all and just focused on the ferritin levels and how we should get that up as soon as possible. Should I get a second opinion on this? I don't want to overload my child with iron. It seems like his iron (hemoglobin and ferritin) were on the rise so why bombard his body with such a high dose of iron?
Any thoughts?
0 likes, 10 replies
harrishill1 jamie55174
Posted
Hope you get it worked out.
Best wishes
anitalou jamie55174
Posted
If the ferritin stays low (7 in a young child is VERY low!), they'll want to look at other possible causes. Low-level bleeding in the intestines from various causes, and less likely but serious would be inherited (genetic) problems related to hemoglobin synthesis or red blood cell enzyme problems, these can all lead to anemia. Lead levels in blood should be checked, too, if not done already.
Best wishes to you and your youngster; do follow up and let us know how it goes!
The slightly high serum iron wit such very low ferritin is odd, but if your hematologist isn't worried about "iron overload" neither should you. Agreed that the low ferritin is MUCH the bigger issue here.
jamie55174 anitalou
Posted
He didn't mention lead levels in the blood. I will look into this.
anitalou jamie55174
Posted
Do check the lead; easy blood test, especially if you live in an older home or an area with older plumbing. If high, there can be serious long-term effect on your child's mental development, that would be much more concerning than a passing anemia.
best wishes!
jamie55174 anitalou
Posted
Do you find it odd that his iron serum is really high (183) compared to ferritin and hemoglobin (this is closer to normal at 10.2 but still on the lower end)?
anitalou jamie55174
Posted
Do check the lead levels - if high, there are lots of resources online for possible sources (water, old paint, contaminated soil outside, toys, pottery, antiques...) and how to reduce exposure if present. If not, time to get more focused about pursuing other causes for the anemia.
karen43235 jamie55174
Posted
Any updates to this? My 23 month old has high serum and high saturation, but low ferritin. His hematologist wanted to up his iron dose but I wanted reassurance that this wouldn't raise his serum or saturation levels.
kent30998 jamie55174
Posted
About this high serum iron with not matching ferritin etc in some people; could it be that these tests were done soon after giving the iron supplement that day, before the iron was stored away from the blood?? Or would giving iron supplement to a baby not higher the serum iron levels temporarily?
sarah39685 jamie55174
Posted
I have high iron and low ferritin and also,my doctor made no comment about it. I've been reading that high iron can be related to inflammatory process in the body. I do have hypothyroidism but mine has not been linked to autoimmune disease. I will see the doc again and ask for antibodies tests.
shellie07852 jamie55174
Posted
Hi, I have the same issues and was told the Ferritin is the stores in your organs, therefore the doctors look at that as the important reading over hem. Iron overload takes places when the stores (ferritin) is hugh. It is abnormal to have hugh hem and low ferritin, but is usually a sign of low iron due to diet nothing more serious. I would maybe follow up with a specialist if you have hereditary issues, auto immune issues, or symptomatic. Usually you don't have symptoms until it reaches a low no#, my Ferritin was 5 and hem with above normal, like 60. Be your own advocate, sometimes GP and NP won't look at ferritin if iron hem is normal, which was my case. Best of luck!