Evaluation of Iron Levels to Avoid the Clinical Sequelae of Iron Overload

The success of transfusion therapy for the treatment of chronic anemia has resulted in the additional clinical challenge of managing iron overload and related morbidity and mortality issues. Effective chelation therapy can control iron levels, and regular assessment of body iron burden is crucial to guide initiation and ensure correct dosing of treatment. A range of techniques are now available that allow accurate assessment of iron burden through evaluation of serum ferritin levels, or the concentration of iron in key organs such as the liver and heart. Studies have enabled threshold values to be identified, above which the risk of serious clinical sequelae is increased.