Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Thalassemia-related Issues => Topic started by: Manal on August 17, 2006, 11:53:38 PM

Title: Bone Marrow overwork
Post by: Manal on August 17, 2006, 11:53:38 PM

Dear all

How can we know that the bone marrow is over working before bone deformations appear? Are there any tests that measure the activity of bone marrow?

Manal

Title: Re: Bone Marrow overwork
Post by: Shikha Mitra on August 18, 2006, 06:18:17 AM

Hi Manal

I think the Reticulocyte Count in your blood will tell you if your marrow is overworking.. the lower the Reticulocyte count, it is better.. that is will mean your bone marrow is supressed and not working hard to produce the RBc s...
Just ask your doctor..

shikha

Title: Re: Bone Marrow overwork
Post by: Manal on August 18, 2006, 03:56:28 PM

Thanks Shikha

Title: Re: Bone Marrow overwork
Post by: Hallu on August 18, 2006, 04:06:21 PM

I think there's another test which measures Erythropoietin level. Normal range is from 3.5 - 32 mU/mL.
In thals this level is elevated because of excessive bone marrow activity.

--Hallu

Title: Re: Bone Marrow overwork
Post by: namitha on October 26, 2006, 07:58:34 AM

Hi,

A CBC contains both the reticulocyte and erythropoetin tests. A CBC can indicate bone marrow hyperplasia which is common in thal inters and not good in the long run. It is better to maintain the Hb at 9.0.

Regards,
Namitha