Hepcidin and Ferritin Levels in Fever of Unknown Origin: Is There a New Biomarker?

Abstract

Background and objectives: Significantly elevated serum ferritin levels are associated with both iron overload and some inflammatory conditions. Hepcidin is a protein that interferes with iron absorption in inflammatory states and acts as an acute-phase reactant. Material(s) and Method(s): Here we report the case a 33-year-old patient who presented with high fever, skin lesions and arthralgia lasting for 2 weeks. His ferritin level was 13,800 mug/l and his hepcidin level was 61 ng/dl. Result(s): The final diagnosis was adult onset Still's disease. The condition evolved satisfactorily with steroid treatment, but after several weeks the patient presented with an unexpected recurrence. Conclusion(s): Hepcidin is a good inflammatory marker that could be useful in the differential diagnosis of hyperferritinaemia.Copyright © EFIM 2015.