The effect of iron treatment on serum ferritin concentrations and bone marrow stainable iron in iron deficient out-patients with gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer.

Serum ferritin concentrations and bone marrow stainable iron were determined in 122 adult out-patients (seventy males) with gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. Half of the forty-four patients with iron deficiency (serum ferritin level below 20 micrograms/l) received peroral iron therapy (200 mg Fe++ daily). In most of the treated patients serum ferritin levels increased and the amount of bone marrow stainable iron in half of them also increased. Measurement of body iron stores by serum ferritin determinations and restoration of low body iron stores in these patients is of practical importance.