From the Guidelines
Iron overload symptoms include chronic fatigue, joint pain, and diabetes, which can evolve towards end-organ failure, particularly affecting the pancreas and liver 1. The symptoms of hemochromatosis, a condition characterized by iron overload, are non-specific and can vary in severity.
- Common symptoms include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint pain
- Diabetes
- Abdominal discomfort
- Irregular heartbeat
- Bronze-colored skin
- These symptoms appear gradually as excess iron builds up in organs like the liver, heart, and endocrine glands, causing progressive damage. The most common causes of iron overload are hereditary hemochromatosis, other rare genetic disorders, and secondary to repeated transfusion, as may occur in thalassemia and other conditions 1. Early detection is crucial since organ damage can be prevented by treatment, which typically involves regular phlebotomy (blood removal) to reduce iron levels and prevent further organ damage. It is essential to note that iron overload can be hereditary or result from multiple blood transfusions, certain anemias, or excessive iron supplementation, and a healthy diet, avoiding iron and vitamin C supplementation and heavy alcohol consumption, can help reduce iron accumulation and prevent or limit organ damage and disease complications 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload)
The symptoms of hemochromatosis, also known as iron overload, can be severe and affect multiple organ systems. Some of the possible symptoms include:
- Multiorgan system toxicity 2
- Hepatic fibrosis, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure 3
- Endocrinopathies 3
- Organ damage and increased mortality 4
Causes and Classification of Iron Overload
Iron overload can be classified based on different criteria, including:
- Route of access of iron within the organism (enteral, parenteral, or placental route) 4
- Predominant tissue site of iron accumulation (parenchymal or reticuloendothelial storage areas) 4
- Cause of the overload (primary or secondary to other congenital or acquired conditions) 4
Diagnosis of Iron Overload
Diagnosis of iron overload can be suspected based on: