| Transfusion hemosiderosis | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Hematology |
| Causes | Frequent blood transfusion |
| Diagnostic method | Blood transferrin test, liver biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Other causes of hemosiderosis |
| Treatment | Phlebotomy, erythrocytapheresis |
| Medication | Iron chelation therapy |
Transfusional hemosiderosis is the accumulation of iron in the body due to frequent blood transfusions. Iron accumulates in the liver and heart, but also endocrine organs. Frequent blood transfusions may be given to many patients, such as those with thalassemia, sickle cell disease, leukemia, aplastic anemia, or myelodysplastic syndrome, among others. It is diagnosed with a blood transferrin test and a liver biopsy. It is treated with venipuncture, erythrocytapheresis, and iron chelation therapy.