Patients who are transfused frequently are at risk for iron overload (hemosiderosis). Diseases such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia, aplastic anemia, and other chronic anemias require frequent transfusions. As red cells are destroyed, they release iron. The iron cannot be excreted and is stored as hemosiderin and ferritin. Iron accumulates in the liver, heart, spleen, and endocrine organs. Tissue damage, heart failure, liver failure, diabetes, and hypothyroidism can occur.
Signs and symptoms of hemosiderosis include muscle weakness, fatigue, weight loss, mild jaundice, anemia, and cardiac arrhythmia.
Ferritin levels and other iron studies should be assessed. Specific stains may be used to detect iron in tissue biopsies. Iron chelation may be used to treat and prevent iron overload. Chelation uses an agent that binds to iron and helps remove it through the urine or feces.
