Hello,
Thanks for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
Your ferritin was quite high and your gene is positive for hemochromatosis.
But the transferrin saturation is not suggestive of it.
I would like to know the following.
1. Were other causes of iron overload checked?
2. Was liver biopsy done?
Please get back to me with these information.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
Patient replied :
Hi, There were checks for Hepatitis B and C both of which were negative and a test for Bilirubine which was 3.7 mg/l my thyroid was also tested TSH ultra sensible whih was 2.03 mUI/I A liver biopsy wasn't performed I assumed that the MRI scan to check for iron overload and health of liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys was used instead of a liver biopsy.
regards,
Hi,
Yes MRI is an alternative method to assess the liver iron content.
You are only a heterozygote for the Hemochromatosis gene.
You are not a homozygote or a compound heterozygote for Hemochromatosis gene.
Moreover the hepatic iron content of 180 is very less.
All these suggest you probably do not have hemochromatosis.
You need to get tested for secondary iron overload states.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
Patient replied :
Ok thanks for that. Back to my original question though, from my tests could you tell me if it is reasonable to think that my liver has suffered no permanent damage? Is it probable that I had Alcoholic Liver Diseases? I had discounted this as my ferritin count was still increasing even though I had stopped drinking alcohol?
Hi,
Your liver is not damaged permanently. The diagnosis and treatment of secondary cause will help liver recover from temporary injury.
Regards
Patient replied :
Thanks for that, it's a relief just to hear someone say it. Last question, is it OK if I start drinking alcohol again? As in a glass of wine with a meal every now and again?
Hello,
Your alcoholic liver disease is ruled out by USG but, you are heterozygous for hemochromatosis. That means risk of cirrhosis is more if you don't take care from now. But, occasional moderate drinking is fine.
Regards