Iron overload indicates accumulation of iron in the body. The primary cause of iron overload is hereditary haemochromatosis (HHC), a genetic disorder. Few secondary causes of iron overload includes chronic haemolysis, transfusion iron overload due to repeated blood transfusion, excess parenteral iron supplements and excess dietary iron.
Patients with early hemochromatosis may not present any symptoms but the disease can be discovered when elevated iron blood levels are noted during other routine blood testing.
The symptoms also differ based on the organ, which is affected by the accumulation of iron. Iron overload affects each person differently based on other predisposition factors. Most people absorb only as much iron as they need from their diet. People of both the genders are prone to have iron overload regardless of their age. If left untreated, iron overload can result in some serious long-term effects on your health. Venesection (phlebotomy) is the major treatment option in cases of iron overload along with drug therapy like iron chelation. Early diagnosis will help in starting the treatment in the beginning stage, which will help prevent the accumulation of iron in the internal organs.
Iron overload is commonly diagnosed by testing serum iron, serum transferring, and serum ferritin. Here are some of the complications and symptoms that may be presented when you have iron overload.
Accumulation of iron in the internal organs will disturb the normal functioning of the body and causes fatigue. But, in most cases fatigue will not help to rule out iron overload because it is considered as a general symptom.
Iron will get deposited in the pancreas and this will affect the normal functioning of the cells including the beta cells. This causes decreased production of insulin resulting in diabetes mellitus. Continuous damage of the pancreas will result in pancreatitis.
Iron will be accumulated in the heart muscles causing deterioration in the function of myocardium. Heart failure and abnormal heart rhythm in patients with iron overload are due to this reason.
Impaired liver function will result in an increased level of bilirubin in blood. This will be clinically presented as jaundice. The level of bilirubin is generally used for understanding the state of improvement of the liver function of the patient with iron overload.
One of the major complications that will occur due to increased accumulation of iron in the liver is cirrhosis. Since cirrhosis is irreversible, treatments focus on reducing complications associated with it.
Iron accumulation that occurs in the pituitary gland and testicles will result in gradual shrinkage of the testicles. Erectile dysfunction is also seen in patients with iron overload. This will ultimately cause impotence in men.
Increases iron accumulation is the abdominal organs results in abdominal pain. Hepatomegaly (increase in the size of the liver) will cause abdominal enlargement also. Enlarged spleen also contributes to abdominal pain.
Colour changes of the skin are common findings in cases with iron overload. Skin will have a tanned appearance in such
people. In most cases skin will look grey or bronze in colour due to iron accumulation.
Accumulated iron in the joints will cause arthritis, a form of joint disorder. The general symptoms of arthritis due to iron overload includes pain, swelling, joint stiffness, and constant ache around the joint.
Under active pituitary and thyroid glands are common findings in patients with iron overload. This will result in decreased thyroid hormones and affects the body functions associated with it.