High ferritin in thalassemia major: Management?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a thalassemia major individual with factor XIII deficiency, HCV+. I transfuse platelet or FFP daily and transfuse RCC weekly. All these things are reacting in my body. My ferritin level is 15000 after chelation therapy. This also has a bad effect every time. I am 28 years old. How long can I expect to live? Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your health is our concern.

Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

A serum ferritin level of 15000 is too high. Along with HCV, the prognosis is somewhat poor. However, without knowing the amount of iron deposition in tissues like the liver, heart, and so on, and without knowing the amount of damage to the liver secondary to HCV infection, it is difficult to say anything. If all are functioning well, then you can manage for five to ten years easily with therapy. You need to reduce the ferritin levels, improve your nutrition with a protein-rich diet, and need to have a positive outlook. A liver biopsy for evaluating the level of serum iron and determining the amount of damage based on the liver function tests and histopathology examination could be helpful in further management.

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Thank you.