Iron Overload: Chapter 4

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What is the primary mechanism to prevent iron accumulation in the body?

Storage of iron in organs

Elimination of excess iron

Regulation of iron absorption (correct)

Increased iron utilization

What is the term for excessive iron deposition in tissues?

Iron deficiency

Anemia

Hemochromatosis

Hemosiderosis (correct)

Which test is most widely used to assess iron overload and monitor its treatment?

Liver biopsy

Serum transferrin

Serum iron

Serum ferritin (correct)

What is the percentage saturation of transferrin a measure of?

Iron binding capacity Signup and view all the answers

What is serum non-transferrin bound iron?

A toxic form of iron Signup and view all the answers

Why is liver biopsy with staining for iron performed?

To assess the degree of iron damage to organs Signup and view all the answers

What is the genetic defect that may contribute to African iron overload?

Defect in the ferroportin gene Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate amount of iron present in 500 mL of transfused blood?

250 mg Signup and view all the answers

Why is iron absorption from food increased in β-thalassemia major?

Due to release of proteins from early erythroblasts Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of non-transferrin bound iron in plasma?

Widespread iron deposition in parenchymal tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential consequence of moderately severe forms of thalassaemia?

Increased iron levels in the liver Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of iron chelation therapy in transfusional iron overload?

To prevent iron overload Signup and view all the answers

What is the wavelength at which the Fe(II) complex is measured spectrophotometrically?

565nm Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of adding Fe(II) to serum in the UIBC determination?

To bind to the unsaturated iron binding site on transferrin Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the difference between the amount of Fe(II) added and the amount of Fe(II) measured in the UIBC determination?

UIBC value Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of hereditary haemochromatosis?

Excessive absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common genetic mutation associated with hereditary haemochromatosis?

C282Y Signup and view all the answers

What is the organ most affected by iron overload in severe cases of hereditary haemochromatosis?

Heart Signup and view all the answers

What is the main indication for iron chelation therapy worldwide?

Thalassaemia major Signup and view all the answers

What is the main route of iron excretion for deferasirox?

Faeces Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended frequency of monitoring blood count for patients receiving deferiprone?

Weekly Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of combining deferiprone with deferoxamine?

Additive or synergistic effect on iron excretion Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique benefit of deferiprone compared to deferoxamine?

More effective at removing cardiac iron Signup and view all the answers

What can be given to further increase iron excretion with deferoxamine?

Vitamin C Signup and view all the answers