Accumulation of iron in the tissues. It may be a manifestation of an inherited disorder (e.g., hemochromatosis) or acquired (in patients with repeated blood transfusions). Symptoms include hepatomegaly, arthritis, diabetes mellitus, and bronzed skin. If untreated it has a progressive course and may lead to death.
Symptoms of Iron Overload
The following features are indicative of Iron Overload:
joint pain
abdominal pain
fatigue
weakness
diabetes
loss of sex drive
impotence
heart failure
liver failure
It is possible that Iron Overload shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.
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Common Causes of Iron Overload
The following are the most common causes of Iron Overload:
genetic mutation
frequent blood transfusions in patient with severe anemia
liver diseases
Risk Factors for Iron Overload
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Iron Overload:
family history
hereditary
age > 40 years
Prevention of Iron Overload
No, it is not possible to prevent Iron Overload.
mutations in the human hemochromatosis protein
Occurrence of Iron Overload
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Iron Overload cases seen each year worldwide:
Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Iron Overload can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Iron Overload can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Iron Overload
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Iron Overload:
Serum transferrin saturation test: To measure the amount of iron bound to a protein transferrin
Serum ferritin: To measure the amount of iron stored in the liver
Liver function tests: To evaluate the liver damage
Magnetic resonance imaging: To measure the degree of iron overload in the liver
Genetic testing: To diagnose the hemochromatosis
Liver biopsy: To diagnose the hemochromatosis
Doctor for Diagnosis of Iron Overload
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Iron Overload:
Hematologist
Gastroenterologist
Primary care doctor
Complications of Iron Overload if untreated
Yes, Iron Overload causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Iron Overload is left untreated:
liver problems
pancreas problems
heart problems
reproductive problems
skin color changes
cirrhosis
Procedures for Treatment of Iron Overload
The following procedures are used to treat Iron Overload:
Phlebotomy: To eliminate blood from body and lower iron levels to normal
Self-care for Iron Overload
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Iron Overload:
Avoid alcoholic beverages: Lowers the risk of liver damage in people with hereditary hemochromatosis
Avoid vitamin C supplements: Reduces the absorption of iron
Avoid eating raw fish and shellfish: Decreases the risk of complications of hemochromatosis
Patient Support for Treatment of Iron Overload
The following actions may help Iron Overload patients:
Genetic counseling: Beneficial for affected individuals and their families
Time for Treatment of Iron Overload
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Iron Overload to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision: