Low Levels Of Iron-Binding Protein May Mean Better Outcome After Stem Cell ...
Myelodysplastic syndromes patients who have low levels of an iron-binding protein prior to stem cell transplantation may have longer survival after the procedure than those with high levels of the protein.
Researchers from Illinois presented these findings at the 2011 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Stem cell transplantation is a procedure in which a donor’s healthy bone marrow stem cells are used to replace a patient’s unhealthy bone marrow stem cells. Stem cell transplantation is the only known potential cure for MDS, but there is also a significant risk of complications or relapse after transplantation.
To identify factors that are associated with better patient outcomes after stem cell transplantation, the researchers retrospectively analyzed 35 MDS patients who received donor stem cell transplants from 1998 to 2010.
The researchers found that prior to transplantation 23 percent of patients had low levels (less than 1,000 ng/ml) of ferritin, a protein found in the blood that is able to bind and store iron. Additionally, these patients with lower ferritin levels had a median survival that was five times longer than patients with higher ferritin levels.
In addition, MDS patients who did not progress to acute myeloid leukemia had significantly longer survival (1157 days) than those who progressed (109 days).
There was also a trend toward better survival for patients who achieved complete remission prior to stem cell transplantation. Achieving complete remission within the first 100 days after transplantation was associated with a significant improvement in survival.
The median overall survival for the entire group of patients was 316 days from the time of transplantation. Following transplantation, 77 percent of patients were alive at 100 days, 47 percent at one year, and 31 percent at three years.
The most common cause of death during the first 100 days after transplantation was infection. After the first 100 days, the most common cause of death was graft-versus-host disease, in which the donor’s cells recognize the patient’s cells as foreign and attack them.
For more information, please see abstract 6562 at the ASCO 2011 meeting website.
Low Ferritin Levels - News
Hemoglobin and ferritin levels were not significantly different between the groups. "Our findings are reassuring for people who have low vitamin B12 levels," Dr. Mills said in a news release. "We found no evidence that folate could worsen their health
The researchers found that prior to transplantation 23 percent of patients had low levels (less than 1000 ng/ml) of ferritin, a protein found in the blood that is able to bind and store iron. Additionally, these patients with lower ferritin levels had
Team director, Jonathan Vaughters, insisted he ate extra portions of leafy greens, such as spinach, and took regular blood tests to monitor his level of ferritin, the protein that stores iron. Their fears dissipated when he hit a run of good form,
'I'd advise anyone suffering hair loss to visit their doctor, who will measure your levels of ferritin — a measure of iron — and who will prescribe a supplement if necessary. It's important women seek medical advice, as there are many other causes of
Levels of hemoglobin (a protein found in red blood cells) and erythropoietin (a hormone that controls red blood cell production) at diagnosis and start of ESA treatment could be used to predict response. Likewise, levels at diagnosis of ferritin (a
My raw/vegan journey: Low ferritin levels, iron & B-12.....
So, I'm learning a lot more every day! Making a long story short, I'm in for some routine blood work, I find out my ferritin levels are low! I didn't even know I had a ferritin! Come to find out your ferritin numbers are a gauge of your body's ability to store iron. My regular iron levels have always been on the edge of just-okay so I occasionally get deferred from donating platelets & whole blood. Considering the things I eat that are incredibly healthy (especially compared to the Standard American Diet) and the great vitamins & supplements I take, you'd think I'd be all set. Well, my Primary Care Physician puts me on prescription iron to take daily--in addition to the raw/vegan iron supplements I take--I checked with him it's okay, I brought in the bottles of supplements and everything. Then we will closely monitor my iron/ferritin levels for the next few months to make sure the levels are behaving. And to rule out any internal hidden bleeding somewhere my doctor recommends I experience an upper endoscopy & a colonoscopy (at the same time, thanks, get it over with!). I am curious now to see what's going on inside. To tell you the truth, I'm nearing that age when they encourage a colonoscopy so the doctor suggested we'll just do it a couple years ahead of schedule. I also learned online that when taking iron supplements you should not consume dairy products, coffee, tea, or chocolate for 1 hour prior and 2 hours following. Well, since I don't do coffee/tea or a lot of dairy that wasn't an issue. However the raw/vegan organic chocolate that I have fallen in love with may have been a factor. The other thing I read somewhere that dark greens can inhibit absorption of iron. I sip my green smoothie all day long! I guess I have room for improvement! I do know to vary your greens to prevent oxalic acid buildup which can inhibit calcium absorption but the iron too? Anybody have any ideas/input on the entire situation? I lean towards high raw/vegan diets (probably 85-90% of the time) I have added in cooked eggs & the occasional piece of cheese for the vitamin B-12 & the other day I had a bun-less burger for the iron. And this morning I had some steamed chicken livers for the iron content. So I'm not sure what to say when people ask me about my raw/vegan diet. Certainly I am into 100% health & I am listening to my body's intuition. Anybody have any suggestions on the title of the blog now? I'm open to ideas!
Q&A w/ Dr Ben posted on his blog: Low Ferritin levels & weak digestion: 
is that Hb?? All my iron levels were low except ferritin lolLow Ferritin Levels - Bookshelf
Nutrition for sport and exercise
The prevalence of low ferritin levels in male athletes is less than in female athletes, ranging from 3.5% to J 3% 121.122,125.126.130131 In spite of the ...Practical sports nutrition
Generally it is assumed that serum ferritin levels reflect the total storage of ferritin iron in the body. Low serum ferritin levels have become synonymous ...Hematology in clinical practice, a guide to diagnosis and management
true iron-deficiency anemia, where a very low serum iron level is accompanied by a rising TIBC and a very low serum ferritin level (less than 12 |ig/L). ...Sports nutrition
Low serum ferritin levels have become synonymous with reduced iron status, and the effect ... In general, there is little evidence that low ferritin levels, ...Advanced Marathoning
These experiences indicate that a ferritin level between 25 and 50 ng/ml may be normal or low depending on your individual physiology, but a ferritin level ...Casual Note Directory
Ferritin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The ferritin levels measured usually have a direct correlation with ... If the ferritin level is low, there is a risk for lack of iron, which could lead to anemia. ...
Ferritin, Iron and hypothyroidism | Stop The Thyroid Madness™
You can have so-called "normal" iron serum levels, yet a low Ferritin. ... First, though the slide into low Ferritin can be symptomless, it eventually becomes the ...
Welcome to Low Ferritin Level
... Ferritin Level provide you with with up to date information you need to know about Low Ferritin Level that you don't have to go any anywhere else. ...
Ferritin Levels Blood Test
Ferritin is found in the liver, spleen, skeletal muscles, and ... Low values. Low ferritin levels often mean an iron deficiency is present. This can be caused by long-term ...
Low Ferritin Levels | LIVESTRONG.COM
low ferritin levels indicate low iron levels that can lead to serious medical problems if not treated properly. Doctors check your ferritin levels by draw...