The Iron Content of Serum Ferritin: Physiological Importance and Diagnostic Value

Peer Reviewe

Physically-Based River Basin Modelling within a GIS: the LISFLOOD Model.

Abstract not availableJRC.(SAI)-Space Application Institut

Proton pump inhibitors decrease phlebotomy need in HFE hemochromatosis: double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial

Phlebotomy constitutes the established treatment for HFE-related hemochromatosis. Retrospective studies have suggested proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce the need for phlebotomy in this population. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to prove this. Thirty p.C282Y homozygous patients were randomly allocated to PPI (pantoprazole 40 mg/day) or placebo for 12 months. Phlebotomies were performed when serum ferritin was > 100 μg/L. Phlebotomy need turned out to be significantly lower in patients taking PPI (P = .0052). PPI treatment significantly reduces the need for phlebotomies in p.C282Y homozygous patients. In view of the known long-term safety profile of PPI, they can be a valuable addition to standard therapy. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01524757.status: publishe

Hyperferritinemia in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease:Iron Accumulation or Inflammation?

Hyperferritinemia, observed in inflammation, iron overload as well as in combination of both, is found in similar to 30% of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. The authors summarized the evidence regarding the potential cause of hyperferritinemia in NAFLD, as this may affect the indicated therapy. A systematic literature search was conducted in EMBASE, PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane library. In the majority of NAFLD patients, hyperferritinemia is due to inflammation without hepatic iron overload. In a smaller group, a dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome (DIOS) is found, showing hyperferritinemia in combination with mild iron accumulation in the reticuloendothelial cells. The smallest group consists of NAFLD patients with hemochromatosis. Phlebotomy is only effective with hepatocellular iron overload and should not be the treatment when hyperferritinemia is related to inflammation, whether or not combined with DIOS. Treatment with lifestyle changes is to date probably the more effective way until new medication is becoming available

Integrating dynamic environmental models in GIS : The development of a dynamic modelling language

An integrated, executable mathematical modelling language for environmental and ecological applications has been developed to create and run Dynamic Models in a GIS. The modelling language is embedded in the GIS, providing the ability to model complex space-time systems free from the technical burdens of database management and algorithm optimization. The spatial modelling language uses a structured script, which is illustrated here by an example of a model of plant dispersion