Pathophysiology and treatment of iron overload in thalassemia patients in tropical countries.

Abstract

Iron-related disorders, leading to either exhausted or increased iron stores, are common in all parts of the world. The causes can be either acquired, inherited, or a combination of both. In tropical countries, the most frequent acquired causes of iron deficiency are blood loss and dietary defects. In the same parts of the world, however, thalassemia syndromes are also very common Many patients with these syndromes suffer from iron overload, even those who do not need regular blood transfusions. Unfortunately, only a minority of these patients have access to life-saving therapy with iron chelators. This chapter discusses the pathophysiology and treatment of iron overload in patients with thalassemia syndromes.