Introduction
Hemosiderin may accumulate in conditions brought on by an excess of iron. The majority of these conditions, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, require frequent blood transfusions due to the chronic blood loss they cause. However, beta thalassemia minor has been linked to hemosiderin deposits in the liver in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease without the need for transfusions. Iron overload occurs when iron consumption is elevated over a prolonged period due to consistent whole blood and red cell transfusions or enhanced gastrointestinal absorption of iron.
What Is Hemosiderosis?
An excessive amount of iron in the organs or tissues is called hemosiderosis. Red blood cells contain over 70 percent of the body's total iron content. Iron is released from dying red blood cells and turns into hemosiderin. Hemosiderin and ferritin are the proteins that accumulate iron in the body's tissues. Hemosiderosis results from an excessive buildup of hemosiderin in tissues. Hemochromatosis, an inherited disorder that causes excessive iron absorption from meals, is not the same as this illness.
What Causes Hemosiderosis?
Hemochromatosis runs in families. Numerous diverse genetic mutations may be the cause. The most frequent causes of mutations are:
1. Hemochromatosis Type 1
The HFE (homeostatic iron regulator) gene is mutated in type 1 hemochromatosis. Individuals of Northern European origin are more likely to experience it. A person must receive a faulty gene from both parents. The HFE gene produces a protein that senses the body's iron levels. Too much iron from the food might be absorbed due to a gene mutation.
Other mutations bring on similar illnesses.
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Hemochromatosis type 2 (sometimes called juvenile hemochromatosis).
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Hemochromatosis type 3 (also called transferrin receptor 2 [TFR2] mutation hemochromatosis).
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Hemochromatosis type 4 (also called ferroportin disease).
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Hypotransferrinemia.
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Aceruloplasminemia.
The body's capacity to regulate the uptake of iron into particular cells is compromised by TFR2 mutations. Iron overload's signs and side effects are the same across all kinds of hemochromatosis, despite differences in the ages at which they manifest.
What Are the Symptoms Associated With Hemosiderosis?
In most cases, symptoms appear gradually, and the illness may not be identified until there is excessive iron accumulation. The onset of symptoms frequently occurs in middle age or later. Sometimes the initial symptoms, including weakness or weariness, are nebulous and go unnoticed or are mistakenly assigned to another condition. Iron accumulation can harm the brain, liver, pancreas, lungs, heart, or any other organ in the body. Therefore symptoms might vary.
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Bronzy complexion.
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Fatigue.
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Unaccounted-for weight loss.
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Wheezing.
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Sluggish growth in kids.
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Heart failure (occasionally).
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The ache in the joints, especially in the hands.
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The chance of liver cancer increases.
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Infertility.
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An inactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).
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Continual tiredness.
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Male hormone levels fall in the majority of males. There could be erectile dysfunction.
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Women typically have symptoms after menopause due to the loss of iron during monthly flow and the increased need for iron during pregnancy.
Existing neurologic abnormalities can become worse as a result of hemochromatosis.
How to Diagnose Hemosiderosis?
Genetic testing is typically performed to confirm the diagnosis if the ferritin level and the amount of iron in transferrin (transferrin saturation) are high. A biopsy or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the organ may be required to determine whether the liver has been harmed.
The following are the methods that are used to diagnose the condition:
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Blood tests.
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DNA analysis.
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Rarely liver MRIs or biopsies are performed.
It may be challenging to diagnose hemochromatosis based just on symptoms. Blood tests, however, can help identify those who need to be evaluated more thoroughly. These examinations evaluate the blood levels of
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Iron.
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A protein called ferritin holds iron.
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Transferrin is a protein that transports iron from red blood cells into the blood.
What Are the Treatment Modalities That Are Used to Treat Hemosiderosis?
1. Phlebotomy - It is the process of removal of blood it is the best remedy. Although it does not repair already existing damage, it stops further organ deterioration. Initially, phlebotomy is performed once or occasionally every other week. Approximately 500 milliliters (1 pint or 1 unit) of blood are drawn each time until the iron level and transferrin iron percent are normal. Then, phlebotomy is performed periodically to maintain appropriate levels of iron reserves.
2. People can eat a healthy diet that includes iron-rich foods. Doctors may urge patients to cut back on alcohol use because it can increase iron absorption and increase the risk of cirrhosis.
Treatment choices depend on the underlying cause, including
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Corticosteroids for autoimmune diseases and lung bleeding.
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Immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune diseases.
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Oxygen treatment for lung diseases.
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Anticoagulants and calcium channel blockers for pulmonary hypertension.
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Lung transplant.
What Are The Complications Associated With Hemosiderosis?
Hemosiderosis can eventually harm the organs or tissue it affects if left untreated. Pulmonary fibrosis can result from pulmonary hemosiderosis. Lungs may become tight and scarred, making it difficult for them to function effectively. When hemosiderosis damages the kidneys, renal failure may eventually result. It is crucial to inform the doctor of any unusual symptoms patient can experience, especially if the patient has a disease that can lead to hemosiderosis. Both of these problems can typically be prevented with prompt treatment.
Conclusion
Hemosiderosis is a type of iron overload illness that causes hemosiderin to build up in the body. Hemosiderosis can be brought on by conditions like metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease that result in chronic inflammation. Iron discharged from the red blood cells can build up within the kidneys (renal hemosiderosis) in persons who have a condition that results in an excessive breakdown of red blood cells in the blood vessels (such as hemolytic anemia). Most renal hemosiderosis instances do not result in kidney damage. Treatment for hemochromatosis is frequently necessary and is always based on the underlying cause. To know more about this condition, consult an online doctor.
