Transfusion hemosiderosis

Transfusional hemosiderosis is the accumulation of iron in the liver and/or heart but also endocrine organs, in patients who receive frequent blood transfusions (such as those with thalassemia, sickle cell disease, aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic syndrome).

Treatment is by iron chelating agents: deferoxamine, deferiprone or deferasirox. If iron overload has caused end-organ damage, this is generally irreversible and may require transplantation.