Question
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:
| A. |
I, II and III |
| B. |
I and II only |
| C. |
II and III only |
| D. |
I and III only |
Show Answer
|
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