Transfusion-Induced Iron Overload Questions & Answers

Updated: May 07, 2021
  • Author: Geneva E Guarin, MD, MBA; Chief Editor: Emmanuel C Besa, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is transfusion-induced iron overload?

What is the pathophysiology of transfusion-induced iron overload?

What is the prevalence of transfusion-induced iron overload in the US?

What is the global prevalence of transfusion-induced iron overload?

What is the mortality and morbidity associated with transfusion-induced iron overload?

What are the racial predilections of transfusion-induced iron overload?

What are the sexual predilections of transfusion-induced iron overload?

Which age groups have the highest prevalence of transfusion-induced iron overload?

Presentation

What is the focus of the clinical history to evaluate transfusion-induced iron overload?

What are the cardiac signs and symptoms of transfusion-induced iron overload?

What are the GI signs and symptoms of transfusion-induced iron overload?

What are the endocrine signs and symptoms of transfusion-induced iron overload?

Which physical findings are characteristic of transfusion-induced iron overload?

Which cardiac findings are characteristic of transfusion-induced iron overload?

Which pulmonary findings are characteristic of transfusion-induced iron overload?

Which abdominal findings are characteristic of transfusion-induced iron overload?

Which neurologic findings of cirrhosis are characteristic of transfusion-induced iron overload?

What causes transfusion-induced iron overload?

What are the possible complications of transfusion-induced iron overload?

DDX

How many drug transfusions are needed to cause transfusion-induced iron overload?

What are the differential diagnoses for Transfusion-Induced Iron Overload?

Workup

What is the role of lab tests in the workup of transfusion-induced iron overload?

Which serum iron study results are characteristic of transfusion-induced iron overload?

What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of transfusion-induced iron overload?

What is the role of peripheral flow cytometry in the workup of transfusion-induced iron overload?

How is cardiac hemosiderosis assessed in the workup of transfusion-induced iron overload?

What is the role of biopsy in the workup of transfusion-induced iron overload?

Which histologic findings are characteristic of transfusion-induced iron overload?

How is transfusion-induced iron overload staged?

Treatment

What is the role of iron chelation therapy in the treatment of transfusion-induced iron overload?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of transfusion-induced iron overload?

Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with transfusion-induced iron overload?

Which dietary modifications are used in the treatment of transfusion-induced iron overload?

Medications

What is the goal of drug treatment for transfusion-induced iron overload?

Which medications in the drug class Chelating Agents are used in the treatment of Transfusion-Induced Iron Overload?

Follow-up

When is inpatient care indicated for transfusion-induced iron overload?

Which centers have better long-term survival rates for transfusion-induced iron overload?

How is transfusion-induced iron overload prevented?

What are the possible complications of chelation therapy for transfusion-induced iron overload?

What is the prognosis of transfusion-induced iron overload?

What is included in patient education about transfusion-induced iron overload?