Could Serum Ferritin Be Simple Prognostic Tool in Cirrhosis?

The researchers also explored other factors that could influence cirrhosis outcomes. Hyponatremia and vitamin D deficiency emerged as independent predictors of hepatic complications, further reinforcing the multifactorial nature of disease progression. However, the simplicity and accessibility of serum ferritin testing make it a particularly attractive tool for early risk stratification. According to the study, routine measurement of ferritin could help clinicians identify high-risk patients who may benefit from closer monitoring or timely intervention, potentially improving overall management and reducing the burden of cirrhosis-related complications.

From a clinical perspective, incorporating serum ferritin as a prognostic marker could enhance patient care by providing an easily obtainable laboratory measure that reflects disease severity and predicts future complications. The authors emphasize that while ferritin alone should not replace comprehensive assessment, it can be a valuable adjunct to established scoring systems such as Child-Pugh and MELD. By identifying patients at higher risk earlier, healthcare providers may be able to intervene proactively, adjust therapies, and improve patient outcomes. These findings highlight the potential for ferritin to become a practical, cost-effective tool in the management of cirrhosis.

Keywords: cirrhosis, serum ferritin, prognostic marker, hepatic complications, Child-Pugh score, liver disease, risk stratification