Olsson K S, Ritter B, Lundin P M
Acta Med Scand. 1985;217(1):79-84. doi: 10.1111/j.0954-6820.1985.tb01638.x.
Liver dysfunction as measured by S-ALAT activity was present in 72% of patients over 40 years of age with HLA-related iron overload, mainly detected by laboratory screening. Liver dysfunction was correlated to the amount of iron stored (r = 0.54, p less than 0.001). When iron was removed by phlebotomy, liver function returned to normal. S-ALAT activity was closely correlated to serum ferritin concentration (r = 0.73, p less than 0.001). Even a mild iron excess can affect hepatocytes and result in increased levels of ferritin and aminotransferases in serum. Patients with "transaminitis" should be investigated for iron overload.
