Iron overload

Iron Overload: An In-depth Overview

Iron overload, also commonly referred to as hemochromatosis, is a medical condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of iron within the body. This excess iron can be stored in vital organs such as the liver, heart, and pancreas. Over time, if left untreated, iron overload can lead to serious health complications.

excessive iron deposits in body tissues.

Causes of Iron Overload

There are multiple factors that can lead to iron overload:

Genetic Predisposition

Some individuals inherit a genetic mutation that makes their body absorb more iron than usual from food. This hereditary form is called hereditary hemochromatosis.

Blood Transfusions

People who receive multiple blood transfusions, especially patients with conditions like thalassemia or sickle cell anemia, can accumulate excess iron from the transfused blood.

Other Causes

Other causes can include excessive iron supplements or certain types of anemia where iron metabolism is affected.

Symptoms and Signs

Iron overload can manifest with a variety of symptoms, including:

• Bronze skin: A distinct darkening or bronzing of the skin.
• Diabetes: Due to iron deposition in the pancreas affecting insulin production.
• Joint pain: Causing discomfort especially in the hands and knees.
• Abdominal pain: Often as a result of liver damage or inflammation.
• Tiredness or fatigue: Due to the effect of excess iron on overall metabolism.
• Impotence: Resulting from hormonal imbalances induced by iron overload.

Potential Complications

Unchecked iron overload can have serious health repercussions:

• Liver Disease: Including cirrhosis or liver cancer.
• Heart Problems: Such as arrhythmias or heart failure.
• Organ Failure: Especially failure of the liver or heart.
• Increased Cancer Risk: Particularly liver cancer.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of iron overload usually involves:

• Blood tests to measure iron levels and liver function.
• Imaging studies, such as MRI, to visualize iron deposits.
• Liver biopsy to assess the extent of iron accumulation and liver damage.

Treatment focuses on:

• Phlebotomy: Regular removal of blood to reduce iron levels.
• Iron Chelation Therapy: Medications that bind excess iron and help eliminate it from the body.
• Regular monitoring and screening for complications.

A healthcare professional performing phlebotomy for a patient with iron overload.

Prevention and Management

Patients at risk or diagnosed with iron overload should:

• Limit iron-rich foods in their diet.
• Avoid taking iron or vitamin C supplements unless prescribed.
• Limit alcohol intake to protect the liver.
• Attend regular screenings to detect and manage complications early.

See Also

• Anemia
• Liver cirrhosis
• Heart arrhythmias

References

Iron overload Resources
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