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Elevated serum ferritin levels (hyperferritinaemia) can reflect a wide range of conditions and are not solely indicative of iron overload. A thorough clinical assessment is required to identify serious causes of high serum ferritin levels, evaluate iron status and manage associated complications.

The upper limit of the reference interval for serum ferritin values varies between laboratories due to different testing methods, and the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia no longer specifies upper limits in its guidance to laboratories. Up to 20% of men have elevated serum ferritin concentrations, while the prevalence in women varies from 3% in premenopausal women to 17% in women older than 70 years. Less than 10% of cases of hyperferritinaemia are due to iron overload.

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Authors: Gary D Zhang, James Chen, Daniel M Johnstone, Martin B Delatycki, Katie Allen and John K Olynyk

Article Type: Medical Education