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Seventeen patients without renal failure and 14 patients receiving longterm hemodialysis were studied. Serum and bone marrow ferritin determinations were made at the time of bone marrow aspiration. A good correlation was found between serum ferritin levels and bone marrow iron stores, as well as between bone marrow ferritin levels and iron stores. Serum ferritin determinations appear to give an accurate estimation of bone marrow iron stores, thereby providing a reliable guide for iron replacement therapy and reducing the need for repeated bone marrow aspirations. Serum ferritin levels of less than 105 ng/ml suggest decreased iron stores, and values greater than 120 ng/ml indicate adequate or increased iron stores. Preliminary data also suggest that bone marrow ferritin determinations may be useful in quantitating bone marrow iron stores.(JAMA 238:601-603, 1977)

THERE is increasing awareness that long-term abuse of various analgesic agents is a major factor in the pathogenesis of renal papillary necrosis (RPN), which is an important cause of renal dysfunction. We describe a patient who experienced RPN while taking large doses of pentazocine in association with aspirin.Report of a CaseA 49-year-old white man was admitted to the Long Beach (Calif) Veterans Administration Medical Center in October 1978 with a two-day history of lower abdominal pain radiating to both flanks. The pain was partially relieved by position change and was associated with nausea and vomiting. The only other symptom was passage of tissue via the urethra. A similar episode had occurred in August 1978. An excretory urogram obtained in April 1978 for evaluation of weight loss was normal. History included chronic alcoholism with hepatic cirrhosis, chronic pancreatitis, chemical diabetes mellitus, and cholelithiasis. He had been taking aspirin (1.8

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles from past issues such as the article about Bernard Kouchner from the February 3 issue, the article about Matt Bai from the February 3 issue, and the January 27 article about the new U.S. economy.