Monocyte ferritin as a possible index of bone marrow iron stores in patients on chronic hemodialysis.

It is well known that macrophages are the principle cells responsible for removal of senescent erythrocytes from circulation and are the major storage cell for body iron. Monitoring stored iron in patients with anemia secondary to renal failure and chronic hemodialysis is an important parameter used for gauging supplementing these patients with iron. We have proven that blood monocyte ferritin unlike serum ferritin reflects adequately bone marrow iron stores and thus replaces an undesirable procedure in such patients namely bone marrow punctures.