Iron overload
Human disease / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Iron overload (also haemochromatosis (British English) or hemochromatosis (American English)) is the abnormal and increased accumulation of total iron in the body causing organ damage.[1] Oxidative stress is the primary mediator of organ damage, as abnormally elevated intracellular iron levels increase free radical formation (via the Fenton reaction). Iron overload is often primary (i.e., hereditary haemochromatosis) but may also be secondary to repeated blood transfusions (i.e., transfusional iron overload).[2] Iron deposition most commonly occurs in the liver, pancreas, skin, heart, and joints. People with iron overload, therefore, classically present with the triad of liver cirrhosis, secondary diabetes mellitus, and bronze skin.[3] However, due to the earlier detection nowadays, symptoms are often limited to general chronic malaise, arthralgia, and hepatomegaly.[3]
Iron overload | |
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Other names | Haemochromatosis or Hemochromatosis |
Micrograph of liver biopsy showing iron deposits due to haemosiderosis. Iron stain. | |
Specialty | Hematology, gastroenterology/hepatology |