Iron overload

Iron overload
Other names	Haemochromatosis or Hemochromatosis
Micrograph of liver biopsy showing iron deposits due to haemosiderosis. Iron stain.
Specialty	Hematology, gastroenterology/hepatology

Iron overload (also known as haemochromatosis or hemochromatosis) is the abnormal and increased accumulation of total iron in the body, leading to organ damage.^[1] The primary mechanism of organ damage is oxidative stress, as elevated intracellular iron levels increase free radical formation via the Fenton reaction. Iron overload is often primary (i.e. hereditary haemochromatosis) but may also be secondary to repeated blood transfusions (i.e. transfusional iron overload).^[2] Iron deposition most commonly occurs in the liver, pancreas, skin, heart, and joints. People with iron overload classically present with the triad of liver cirrhosis, secondary diabetes mellitus, and bronze skin.^[3] However, due to earlier detection nowadays, symptoms are often limited to general chronic malaise, arthralgia, and hepatomegaly.^[3]