Iron-copper constellations

The simultaneous determination of serum iron allows the differentiation of various iron-copper constellations, which facilitates differential diagnosis, (s. tab. 5.10)... 

Tab. 5.10 Types of iron-copper constellations in some liver diseases (N = normal)...

While non-specific signs of inflanunation may also be present in liver cirrhosis, they are much more obvious in HCC. For example, positive CRP values as well as an increase in the BSR, a-globulins, aj-antitrypsin and fibrinogen can be found. A constellation of decreased serum iron and elevated serum copper (140) points to a consuming inflammatory process or malignant tumour, (s. tab. 5.10) Usually, the haemogram shows leucocytosis and anaemia. Nitric oxide values in the plasma are elevated in correlation with tumour size. (s. tabs. 37.6, 37.11, 37.12)... 

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