Serum iron is elevated in patients with chronic liver
diseases. This study aims to evaluate the role of iron overload
status in chronic liver diseases. Serum iron, serum
ferritin, serum transferrin, liver functions tests and hepatitis
markers were determined in 90 patients who have
various chronic liver diseases [hepatitis B virus (REV),
hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC),
mixed infection and pure schistosomal fibrosis] divided
into 5 groups. Ascitic fluid samples were examined in a
subgroup of 40 patients who have ascites. Results showed
a high level of serum iron and ferritin in all groups. There
was a positive correlation between serum transaminase,
serum iron and serum ferritin. There was no significant
correlation between liver iron content and serum iron, serum
ferritin and serum transferrin in all groups. In patients
with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) ascitic fluid
transferrin level was low. |
