Eisenstatus

Eisenstatus refers to the iron status of a person, describing the amount of iron stored in the body and the iron available for biological processes such as oxygen transport and cellular metabolism. In medicine, the Eisenstatus is assessed to detect iron deficiency, iron overload, or abnormalities in iron metabolism.

The evaluation typically relies on laboratory markers. Ferritin reflects body iron stores, while serum iron indicates circulating iron. Transferrin saturation (TfS) and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) provide information about iron transport and protein binding capacity. Additional markers such as transferrin, soluble transferrin receptor, and hepcidin can aid interpretation in certain situations, especially when inflammation or chronic disease is present. Because ferritin is an acute phase reactant, its level can be influenced by infection or inflammation and may not directly correspond to iron stores in such contexts.

Interpretation depends on the clinical context and laboratory results. Low ferritin with low TfS and low serum iron strongly suggests iron deficiency, often due to inadequate intake, malabsorption, or blood loss. High ferritin can indicate iron overload, inflammation, liver disease, or infection; TfS is typically elevated in iron overload but can be normal in inflammatory states. An iron deficiency can occur with normal ferritin if inflammation is present, a situation referred to as functional iron deficiency. Conversely, ferritin may be elevated in iron overload disorders such as hereditary hemochromatosis.

Management aims to correct the underlying cause and restore normal iron balance. Iron deficiency is treated with iron supplementation after appropriate evaluation. Iron overload requires reducing iron intake or removing excess iron, for example by phlebotomy or chelation in specific conditions. Monitoring of ferritin, TfS, and other markers guides treatment decisions.