21 Oct ACG 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting, Charlotte, North Carolina

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What is Iron Overload?

Iron overload is the accumulation of too much iron in the body. Primary iron overload is often genetic, whereas secondary iron overload occurs most commonly through blood transfusion.

Iron overload can be caused by genetic conditions such as hereditary haemochromatosis, a condition that involves abnormally high iron absorption from a person’s diet. Hereditary haemochromatosis is caused by variants in genes that control iron absorption.

People receiving multiple blood transfusions are at risk of iron overload because each transfusion has a high iron content.

Patients with the following conditions are often at risk of iron overload:

  • Thalassaemia
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Myelodysplastic syndrome
  • Various anaemias
  • Cancer survivors

Why is too much iron dangerous?

If excess iron is allowed to accumulate, it can deposit in organs such as the liver and eventually the heart, leading to potentially severe health complications. The liver is the main site of iron storage in the body, so an accurate measurement of liver iron concentration (LIC) enables doctors to determine the most appropriate treatment to remove the iron and prevent further deposition and organ damage. Regular measurements of LIC are then made to monitor progress and adjust the patient’s treatment accordingly.

How can we help?

Our products FerriScan®, FerriSmart® and LiverSmart® can analyse your LIC with high reliability. These methods use MRI imaging, so they are non-invasive and painless. Evaluating your Liver Iron Concentration is important if you have Iron Overload, so your doctor can assess whether you need treatment to lower your overall iron levels.

Find an MRI centre near you

As a patient, you want the latest and most accurate technology when your MRI images are interpreted and analysed by your healthcare provider. That is why we offer our assistance locating the MRI Centre near you that already implements the Resonance Health protocols for Iron Overload evaluation.