Description of the Etiologies in Patients with Hyper ferritinemia in the biochemistry laboratory- Avicenna Military hospital-Marrakesh

Objectives of the study: The aim of this study was to identify the underlying causes of hyperferritinemia in patients and to analyze their clinical and epidemiological characteristics. Data were collected from 188 patients at the Avicenne Military Hospital in Marrakech between January 2019 and December 2022.

Patients and methods: Patients aged over 18 with plasma ferritin levels > 600 μg/L were included. They were stratified into three categories: moderate elevation (600-1000 μg/L), significant elevation (1000-1500 μg/L) and extreme elevation (> 1500 μg/L). Demographic data, clinical parameters and laboratory results were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Plasma ferritin levels were determined by electrochemiluminescence and CRP levels were assessed by immunoturbidimetry.

Résults: Of the 188 patients, 109 were male and 79 female, with a mean age of 51 years. Infections were identified as the most common cause of hyperferritinemia (34.5%), followed by nephropathies (28.9%), systemic diseases (12.4%), malignancies (9.3%) and hepatopathies (4.3%). Less frequent etiologies included metabolic syndrome, hemochromatosis, diabetes and repeated transfusions. Bacterial infections accounted for the majority of infectious cases (80%).

Conclusion: Hyperferritinemia is a frequent biochemical abnormality with multifactorial etiologies, infections being the most frequent cause. Rapid identification of the underlying etiology is essential for effective management. A collaborative approach involving clinical and laboratory expertise is essential to optimize results and reduce associated morbidity and mortality.