SECONDARY IRON OVERLOAD

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Transfusional overload

Thalassaemia is a recessive inherited disease of the red blood cells. The defect results in a reduced synthesis of normal globin chains (α, β or δ) in the haemoglobin molecule. E.g. homozygous β thalassaemia is a severe microcytic, hypochromic anaemia called β thalassaemia major. These patients are dependent on frequent blood transfusions which lead to iron overload. Earlier, intravenous iron chelation treatments (Deferoxamine, Deferiprone) have been the only possiblity to remove access iron, however, an oral chelator (Deferasirox (=ICL670)) has recently been approved by FDA (USA in 2005) and in some other countries.

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Long-lasting medical iron ingestion

[Ref 5]

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UPTAKE OF IRON FROM DIFFERENT DOSES OF AN IRON SALT IN NORMAL INDIVIDUALS

[Ref 13]