Hypothyroidism Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

A unit of red blood cells (RBCs) contained 250 mg of iron as part of the hemoglobin molecule. A long-term complication of red cell transfusion is iron overload, or hemosiderosis. As red cells are destroyed, they release iron. The iron cannot be excreted and is stored as hemosiderin and ferritin. Iron accumulates in the liver, heart, spleen, and endocrine organs. Tissue damage, heart failure, liver failure, diabetes, and hypothyroidism can occur. Patients who are transfused frequently are at the greatest risk for iron overload. Diseases such as sickle cell disease, thalessemia, aplastic anemia, and other chronic anemias usually require frequent transfusions. Signs and symptoms of hemosiderosis include muscle weakness, fatigue, weight loss, mild jaundice, anemia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Ferritin levels and other iron studies should be assessed. Specific stains may be used to detect iron in tissue biopsies. Iron chelation may be used to treat and prevent iron overload. Chelation works by using an agent which binds to iron and helps remove it through the urine or feces.