Non-transferrin-bound serum iron (NTBI) in megaloblastic anemia: effect of vitamin B(12) treatment.

Introduction: The abnormalities in iron metabolism associated with megaloblastic anemia are rapidly reversed by B(12) therapy in pernicious anemia (PA). Although non-tranferrin-bound plasma iron (NTBI) was previously shown to be associated with severe iron overload, its origin is unknown.

Methods And Results: Four patients with PA were studied before and after B(12) treatment.