Transfusional hemosiderosis is the accumulation of iron in the body due to frequent blood transfusions.
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.
[2] These may be given for a number of conditions, including: Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule in a red blood cell, contains iron.
[5] If iron overload has caused damage to end-organs, this is generally irreversible and may require transplantation.
[clarification needed] Transfusion hemosiderosis can cause permanent damage to tissues that may lead to death.
[2] Outcomes are usually worse in patients who require blood transfusions compared to those who can have alternative therapies.