HAEMOSIDEROSIS -
Noun: A condition where there is a general increase in iron stores in the body. A dark pigment containing iron is deposited in the tissues or organs. It may occur after repeated blood transfusions. Under normal conditions there are approximately 4 - 6 grams of iron in the body. Each unit of blood for transfusion contains approximately 200 - 250 mg of iron. This means that a patient receiving two units of blood per month could accumulate 5 - 6 grams of iron in one year. Most haematologists agree that iron chelation therapy should be started before organ damage has a chance to occur, some suggesting treatment after as few as 15 transfusions.
- Greek - haîma = blood +
- Greek - síderos = iron
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