In hereditary hemochromatosis, transferrin saturation is typically which?

In hereditary hemochromatosis, transferrin saturation is typically which?

• A. Decreased
• B. Increased
• C. Normal
• D. Variable

Answer: (B)

Transferrin saturation measures how much of transferrin’s iron-binding sites are occupied. In hereditary hemochromatosis, a genetic defect leads to increased intestinal iron absorption, so more iron circulates in the blood. This raises the amount of iron bound to transferrin, and even if the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is normal or reduced, the fraction that is saturated becomes higher. Clinically, transferrin saturation is typically markedly increased in this condition (often well above the normal range). That’s why increased is the best description. Decreased would indicate iron deficiency, normal would miss the overload pattern, and variable would not reflect the characteristic rise seen with this disorder.

Transferrin saturation measures how much of transferrin’s iron-binding sites are occupied. In hereditary hemochromatosis, a genetic defect leads to increased intestinal iron absorption, so more iron circulates in the blood. This raises the amount of iron bound to transferrin, and even if the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is normal or reduced, the fraction that is saturated becomes higher. Clinically, transferrin saturation is typically markedly increased in this condition (often well above the normal range). That’s why increased is the best description. Decreased would indicate iron deficiency, normal would miss the overload pattern, and variable would not reflect the characteristic rise seen with this disorder.