What causes elevated serum ferritin levels, and what should be done?

Transferrin generally refers to serum ferritin. Under normal circumstances, elevated serum ferritin levels may be caused by dietary factors, strenuous exercise, hemolytic anemia, hyperthyroidism, aplastic anemia, and other factors. It is recommended to visit a hospital promptly to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Dietary Factors

Long-term excessive intake of foods rich in iron, such as animal liver and egg yolks, may lead to increased iron levels in the body, subsequently causing elevated serum ferritin. Generally, no special treatment is required; symptoms can be alleviated by adjusting the diet and reducing the consumption of iron-rich foods.

2. Strenuous Exercise

Long-term high-intensity physical activity increases the body's demand for oxygen, potentially leading to increased synthesis of ferritin to store iron for use during exercise, thereby causing the aforementioned symptoms. Usually, no specific treatment is needed, but regular health checkups and monitoring of ferritin levels to ensure they remain within the normal range are recommended.

3. Hemolytic Anemia

Hemolytic anemia may cause destruction of red blood cells, releasing iron from red blood cells into the bloodstream, which can lead to elevated serum ferritin levels. Symptoms such as jaundice, anemia, and enlargement of the liver and spleen may also occur. Patients may follow medical advice to take medications such as prednisone tablets or azathioprine tablets for treatment.

4. Hyperthyroidism

Autoimmune factors, dietary factors, and others may trigger hyperthyroidism, causing excessive secretion of thyroid hormones in the body, increasing the metabolic rate, and raising the body's oxygen demand. Consequently, more ferritin may be synthesized to store iron, leading to elevated serum ferritin levels. Symptoms such as palpitations, excessive sweating, and increased appetite may also appear. Patients can follow medical advice to take medications such as methimazole tablets or propylthiouracil tablets for treatment.

5. Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia is a bone marrow failure syndrome caused by various factors, which may lead to reductions in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Due to the decrease in red blood cells, the body may synthesize more ferritin to maintain normal physiological functions, resulting in elevated serum ferritin levels. Patients may follow medical advice to take medications such as cyclosporine soft capsules or stanozolol tablets to promote recovery of bone marrow hematopoietic function.

In daily diet, it is advisable to temporarily avoid iron-rich foods such as pork liver, pig blood, egg yolks, and lean meat to prevent worsening of the condition.