The serum level of ferritin, the protein synthesized in the spleen, bone marrow, liver, correlates with the body’s iron deposits and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). Moreover, the blood concentration of ferritin is more sensitive and specific than sideremia and TIBC. Ferritin is an acute phase reagent, being increased in patients with acute or chronic liver disease, kidney disease, alcoholism, neoplasm, hyperthyroidism, infections and inflammation. The determination and correlation of the values obtained for ferritin with HLG, ESR, sideremia and other acute phase reactants (fibrinogen, C-Reactive Protein), allow the correct establishment of the diagnosis and an adequate treatment.
