Iron overload diseases

Definition

Iron overload is the accumulation of excess iron in body tissues. Iron overload usually occurs as a result of a genetic predisposition to absorb and store iron in excess amounts, the most common form of which is hereditary hemochromatosis. Iron overload can also occur as a complication of other hematologic disorders that require chronic transfusion therapy, repeated injections of parenteral iron, or excessive iron ingestion. Excessive iron stores usually accumulate in the reticuloendothelial tissues and cause little damage (“hemosiderosis”). If overload continues, iron eventually begins to accumulate in tissues such as hepatic parenchyma, pancreas, heart and synovium, causing hemochromatosis.

Index Terms