Secondary Iron Overload Flashcards
1
Q
what is it?
A
Iron-loading anaemias
2
Q
what causes it?
A
Repeated red cell transfusions Excessive iron absorption related to over-active erythropoiesis Massive ineffective erythropoiesis Thalassaemia Sideroblastic anaemias Refractory hypoplastic anaemias o Red cell aplasia o Myelodysplasia (MDS)
3
Q
What is the risk of iron overload with regular transfusion?
A
Iron overload is inevitable with regular red cell transfusions, but risk of excess intestinal iron absorption may be hidden until tissue damage becomes symptomatic.
4
Q
How is secondary iron overload managed?
A
Treatment by venesection not an option in already anaemic patients
Iron chelating agents:
o Desferrioxamine (subcut or IV infusion)
o Newer oral agents
- Deferiprone
- Deferasirox
