Transfusional Iron Overload

Iron overload, or transfusional iron overload, is a condition that occurs when too much iron accumulates in the body as a result of frequent blood transfusions. This overload of iron can have serious health consequences if left untreated. The main risk from transfusional iron overload is hepatic cirrhosis, which is an irreversible scarring of the liver.

Causes: Iron overload is caused when an individual is receiving repeat or long-term blood transfusions. People who often receive blood transfusions can accumulate up to four to five times the normal amount of iron in their body.
Symptoms: Symptoms of iron overload include fatigue, joint pain, the development of heart failure, an enlarged liver, and an abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver. In extreme cases, iron overload can cause a life-threatening condition called hepatic cirrhosis.
Treatment: Treatment for iron overload focuses on removing the excess iron from the body. This approach is called chelation therapy. Chelation therapy involves using drugs, referred to as chelators, to bind the excess iron in the blood and then excrete it from the body.
Prevention: People who receive frequent blood transfusions should receive regular blood tests to ensure that they are not accumulating too much iron in their body. The early detection and treatment of transfusional iron overload can prevent the development of serious health complications such as hepatic cirrhosis.