Iron loading anaemias

Abstract

Iron loading anaemias are characterized by anaemia, high serum iron, transferrin saturation and ferritin values, and haemosiderin deposits in parenchymal cells and reticuloendothelial tissue with or without organ dysfunction. Sideroblastic anaemias and congenital dyserythropoietic anaemias (CDA) are important types of iron loading anaemias. Two cases of sideroblastic anaemia and five cases of CDA type I are presented as prototypes of iron loading anaemias. Increased gastrointestinal absorption of iron remains the main mechanism of iron loading in these anaemias. Phlebotomy can be used to reduce the iron load in those with mild or moderate anaemia, whereas desferrioxamine can be used to chelate excessive iron in all cases irrespective of severity of anaemia.