MCQ – 101469

Which of the following are secondary iron overload conditions?
I. Transfusion related iron load
II. Thalassemia
III. Hepatitis C associated liver disease
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer » A Explanation

• Secondary iron overload (secondary hemochromatosis) occurs due to acquired causes, not genetic mutations.
• Mechanisms include:
  • Excess iron intake (e.g., transfusion)
  • Increased absorption (ineffective erythropoiesis)
  • Impaired iron metabolism (chronic liver disease)

Explanation of Each Statement

I. Transfusion-related iron overload

• Correct
• Each unit of blood contains ~200–250 mg iron
• No physiological excretion → accumulation
• Most common cause of secondary iron overload

II. Thalassemia

• Correct
• Causes iron overload due to:
  • Repeated transfusions
  • Increased intestinal absorption (↓ hepcidin due to ineffective erythropoiesis)

III. Hepatitis C–associated liver disease

• Correct
• Chronic liver disease leads to:
  • Reduced hepcidin production
  • Increased iron deposition in liver
• Recognized cause of secondary iron overload