Can hemochromatosis (iron overload disorder) be associated with leukopenia (low white blood cell count)?

From the Research

Hemochromatosis and Leukopenia

• Hemochromatosis, an iron overload disorder, has been associated with various clinical manifestations, including effects on the immune system 1.
• A study published in 2005 found that some individuals with hemochromatosis have low total blood lymphocyte counts, suggesting a potential link between iron overload and leukopenia (low white blood cell count) 2.
• The same study revealed significant associations between total blood lymphocyte counts and certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and haplotypes, indicating a possible genetic component to the relationship between hemochromatosis and leukopenia 2.
• Other studies have focused on the clinical and genetic aspects of hemochromatosis, but have not directly addressed the relationship between iron overload and leukopenia 3, 4, 5.
• However, these studies have highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of hemochromatosis to prevent complications, which may include immune system dysfunction 3, 4, 5.

Key Findings

• A significant inverse relationship between total blood lymphocyte counts and severity of iron overload was found in individuals with hemochromatosis 2.
• Certain HLA alleles and haplotypes, such as HLA-A01 and HLA-B08, were associated with lower total blood lymphocyte counts in individuals with hemochromatosis 2.
• The presence of the HLA-A01-B08 haplotype was associated with significantly lower total blood lymphocyte counts, suggesting a potential genetic predisposition to leukopenia in individuals with hemochromatosis 2.